Parish Profile – St Mary Redcliffe - Diocese of Bristol
Parish Profile – St Mary Redcliffe - Diocese of Bristol
Parish Profile – St Mary Redcliffe - Diocese of Bristol
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<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong><br />
<strong>Bristol</strong><br />
<strong>Parish</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>ile</strong>
CONTENTS<br />
1. General Introduction ............................................................................................... 3<br />
2. The context / parish setting ........................................................................................ 4<br />
3. The Church Building .................................................................................................... 6<br />
4. Services ........................................................................................................................... 7<br />
5. Ministry ........................................................................................................................... 9<br />
6. The Church Wardens ................................................................................................ 11<br />
7. The Church <strong>St</strong>aff ......................................................................................................... 11<br />
8. The PCC .................................................................................................................... 13<br />
9. The <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Church Lands Charity (the ‘Vestry’) ............................. 15<br />
10. The Bells and Bell Ringers ..................................................................................... 17<br />
11. Other <strong>Parish</strong> Organisations .................................................................................. 18<br />
12. Mission and Ministry ............................................................................................... 19<br />
13. Outreach: .................................................................................................................. 20<br />
14. Other Charities and Groups................................................................................. 24<br />
15. Special Annual Services .......................................................................................... 25<br />
16. Vision and Priorities ................................................................................................ 26<br />
Appendices<br />
1 Guidebook (hard copy)<br />
2 PCC Accounts for 2011<br />
3 Fabric Report <strong>–</strong> 9 th July 2012<br />
4 Fabric Projects Completed - between April 2011 and March 2012<br />
5 An Agenda for Growth <strong>–</strong> 2008<br />
6 Organograms <strong>–</strong> <strong>St</strong>aff, Ministry, Volunteers, PCC, Vestry<br />
2
1. General Introduction<br />
<strong>Parish</strong>: <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and Temple, <strong>Bristol</strong><br />
with <strong>St</strong> John the Baptist, Bedminster<br />
Deanery: South <strong>Bristol</strong><br />
<strong>Diocese</strong> : <strong>Bristol</strong><br />
We have tried to show in this pr<strong>of</strong>ile something about our church and its people,<br />
including all the groups and organisations linked with us. We like to think <strong>of</strong> our<br />
church as a welcoming place and community, both for new members <strong>of</strong> our<br />
congregation and for the many visitors we have each year. The building itself<br />
inspires us to “Worship the Lord in the Beauty <strong>of</strong> Holiness” and we love to share<br />
it with others. For more information about particular aspects, programmes and<br />
contact details, please refer to our website www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or call the<br />
parish <strong>of</strong>fice - Tel: +44 (0)117 9291487<br />
Since the beginning <strong>of</strong> the vacancy, in accordance with diocesan policy, one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Diocesan Leadership Development Advisers, Canon Douglas Holt, has been<br />
working with us to reflect on the life and future direction <strong>of</strong> the parish. His Phase<br />
1 report at the end <strong>of</strong> June raised a number <strong>of</strong> issues, some <strong>of</strong> which are <strong>of</strong> deep<br />
concern to us all. Other points seem to indicate that we are not communicating<br />
well enough about what we have done and are currently doing. We plan to review<br />
this report at a parish meeting on a Sunday morning in October to which the<br />
Church Wardens and PCC will bring proposals to help us to address these issues.<br />
However, the report also suggested that we should move to the appointment <strong>of</strong> a<br />
new parish priest as soon as possible. We have been encouraged in this by the<br />
Bishop and by the Diocesan Advisers.<br />
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2. The context / parish setting<br />
The parish is located to the south <strong>of</strong> the city centre <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong>. There are about 3000 residents <strong>of</strong> the<br />
parish, but this is expanding rapidly as former industrial and commercial buildings are converted into<br />
multiple occupancy residential use. It is a very mixed parish that runs along the riverside and<br />
incorporates a whole variety <strong>of</strong> housing stock. The church itself sits on a dividing line within the parish.<br />
To the north there is a growing business community, including especially financial and legal services.<br />
There are also residential flats, some <strong>of</strong> which are quite recent developments, that attract young<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional people into the area. To the south <strong>of</strong> the church there is a small local authority estate <strong>of</strong><br />
about eight blocks <strong>of</strong> flats. It is predominantly a white working class area, but there is also a significant<br />
Somali community. The <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Way corridor which forms the dividing line is currently the subject <strong>of</strong><br />
much planning for future development and we at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> are getting involved in this to ensure<br />
that such development is sensitive to the needs <strong>of</strong> the church and parish, bringing people together around<br />
the church.<br />
Map <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Parish</strong><br />
This shows how most <strong>of</strong> the parish boundaries are defined by water ways and railways <strong>–</strong> making<br />
it quite difficult to ‘Beat the Bounds’, though we have tried to do it occasionally.<br />
We have a different tradition at <strong>Redcliffe</strong> <strong>of</strong> walking the pipe line. The ‘Pipe Walk’ takes place<br />
every autumn <strong>–</strong> we go to the spring in Knowle, given to <strong>Redcliffe</strong> by Roger de Berkeley in 1207,<br />
and we then trace the route <strong>of</strong> the pipe down through Bedminster to <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong>.<br />
4
Within the parish boundary there is a large Church <strong>of</strong> England secondary school, with a separate sixth<br />
form centre, and there is also a local authority children’s centre. The building currently occupied by our<br />
associated Church <strong>of</strong> England primary school lies just outside the parish. There are several large hotels<br />
as well as a number <strong>of</strong> retirement homes and sheltered accommodation. Two <strong>of</strong> these (Fry’s House <strong>of</strong><br />
Mercy and Dr White’s Close) have strong links with the church. There are numerous business buildings<br />
including some prestigious new developments and a number <strong>of</strong> local pubs, restaurants and casinos,<br />
catering for a wide range <strong>of</strong> tastes. The dockside <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Bristol</strong> ‘floating harbour’ forms part <strong>of</strong> the parish<br />
boundary. <strong>Bristol</strong> Temple Meads station is also within the parish.<br />
Aerial Views <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Parish</strong><br />
<strong>Bristol</strong> has a long links with aviation, in particular with the Aerospace Industry at Filton north <strong>of</strong><br />
the city; <strong>Bristol</strong> is also a thriving centre for hot air ballooning so we are <strong>of</strong>ten able to obtain<br />
photos <strong>of</strong> our church and parish from above. Balloon manufacture actually takes place in our<br />
parish. The view above shows most <strong>of</strong> the parish with <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> at the centre.<br />
While the spire is the<br />
most striking landmark<br />
from ground level it is the<br />
shape <strong>of</strong> the high ro<strong>of</strong>,<br />
forming a clear white<br />
cross, which is the most<br />
striking feature from<br />
above, as shown in this<br />
photograph taken from a<br />
balloon.<br />
5
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Cemetery<br />
This Cemetery is about 2 miles away on the Bath Road. It is now closed and under the care <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Bristol</strong> City Council, but is used occasionally for burials, in existing family graves. It has a chapel<br />
which is also closed and is in the hands <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong> <strong>Diocese</strong> and the Church Commissioners.<br />
3. The Church Building<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> church is a significant landmark within the city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong> and is a Grade I listed building<br />
<strong>of</strong> international architectural significance. It was mostly built over a 300 year period from the early 13 th<br />
century to the 15 th century. The oldest surviving parts date from 1115 although the majority <strong>of</strong> the<br />
current building is 15 th century. There have, <strong>of</strong> course, been many alterations and restoration activities<br />
since then, particularly in the Victorian era when, for example, the spire was rebuilt. Appendix 1, our<br />
Visitors’ Guide Book, gives more details. The church attracts thousands <strong>of</strong> visitors and tourists each<br />
year, and also has an historic role within the city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong>; it hosts an annual civic service at Pentecost <strong>–</strong><br />
Rush Sunday <strong>–</strong> to which the Lord Mayor, Councillors and Aldermen <strong>of</strong> the city come.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> is the only operating Church <strong>of</strong> England church in the parish. The other churches in<br />
the parish are Temple church, which is a ruin with a well-known leaning tower, and <strong>St</strong> Thomas’s, which is<br />
currently being used by the Romanian Orthodox Church. <strong>St</strong> John’s church has been demolished, as have<br />
<strong>St</strong> Luke’s and <strong>St</strong> Raphael’s (and all absorbed into our parish).<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Vicarage<br />
The vicarage is a Grade II listed Georgian<br />
fronted building 150 yards west <strong>of</strong> the<br />
church at 10 <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Parade West,<br />
overlooking the Floating Harbour.<br />
It has 3 reception rooms, a large kitchen, a<br />
utility room, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms<br />
(1 ensuite) on 4 floors, as well as a<br />
substantial basement. It also has a small<br />
garden and a large garage reached by the<br />
back lane.<br />
It is in a good state <strong>of</strong> repair following<br />
considerable renovation work.<br />
The Church Centre<br />
This comprises a hall and an ex Methodist chapel building, adjacent to the church on<br />
Prewett <strong>St</strong>reet, owned jointly by <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and the Methodist Church. It is used<br />
for many purposes, both by ourselves as a church hall and by other churches and local<br />
organisations as a venue. Although <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> PCC has ultimate responsibility for the<br />
Church Centre under the Sharing Agreement, the PCC has delegated its management to a<br />
separate management committee, which includes representatives from our church.<br />
6
4. Services<br />
Ecclesiastical Tradition:<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> is a broad church with a well-established<br />
choral tradition. Some aspects <strong>of</strong> catholic liturgical practice are<br />
used (e.g. vestments, processing the Gospel), but the forms <strong>of</strong><br />
worship preferred by most <strong>of</strong> the congregation are liberal<br />
catholic, neither high church nor evangelical. Incense is hardly<br />
ever used and liturgically we bow rather than genuflect; the<br />
choirs lead the hymns and canticles, accompanied by our<br />
wonderful organ. We use the New English Hymnal,<br />
occasionally supplemented.<br />
Sunday Worship:<br />
Over recent years a pattern <strong>of</strong> Sunday Services has been<br />
developed which has very wide support from our congregation<br />
and reflects our long and distinguished musical tradition. Our<br />
9.30am Eucharist welcomes all, including families and children,<br />
with a Sunday School in the Undercr<strong>of</strong>t during the service and<br />
refreshments are served in the West nave after the service.<br />
There is a sermon or homily at each service.<br />
8am Holy Communion (Common Worship Order 1, traditional language - a quiet said service)<br />
9.30am Sung Eucharist (Common Worship Order 1, traditional language except<br />
1st Sunday <strong>of</strong> month when we use contemporary language)<br />
11.15am Choral Mattins (Shortened form <strong>of</strong> the Book <strong>of</strong> Common Prayer)<br />
6.30pm Choral Evensong (Book <strong>of</strong> Common Prayer)<br />
Sunday Attendance<br />
Includes All :-<br />
Congregation,<br />
Ministers,<br />
Choir,<br />
Servers<br />
(but not Sunday School)<br />
Weekday services:<br />
Daily Offices 8.30am Morning Prayer, 4.30pm Evening Prayer<br />
Monday 7.30pm Taizé service (2 nd Monday in month)<br />
Tuesday 12.30pm Holy Communion (CW, Order 1, contemporary language)<br />
Thursday 12.30pm Holy Communion (CW, Order 1, contemporary language,<br />
this includes prayers for healing every 2 nd and 4 th Thursday)<br />
7
Occasional Offices:<br />
During 2011 20 baptisms, 16 weddings and 13 funerals were conducted. In addition to this a number <strong>of</strong><br />
wedding blessings and burials <strong>of</strong> ashes were also conducted. Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals are, <strong>of</strong><br />
course, continuing during the vacancy.<br />
Sunday School:<br />
Sunday School takes place in the undercr<strong>of</strong>t during the 9:30 Eucharist, with the children leaving the<br />
church, with a prayer, after the Gloria and returning at the Communion. About 20 children attend each<br />
week in 4 groups:- Sparks (18mths to 4), Candles (4 to 7), Lamps (7 to 10), Fireworks (10 to 14).<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> their parents choose to stay in the undercr<strong>of</strong>t during Sunday School, especially those <strong>of</strong> the<br />
younger children.<br />
We have a dedicated team <strong>of</strong> 12 leaders (all <strong>of</strong> whom have been through our Child Protection Procedure<br />
and CRB checks). We use the Scripture Union Light syllabus for all <strong>of</strong> the groups but the very young are<br />
also welcome to come down and play with the toys. Once a month we have the “First Sunday Service”<br />
when a priest comes down and takes a service, similar in some ways to the service in Church.<br />
We also organize Good Friday activities, a September picnic and a pre-Christmas celebration.<br />
Congregation:<br />
There are currently 355 on our electoral roll and our Usual Sunday Attendance is about 220 adults and<br />
50 children (including choirs), boosted to over 400 on special occasions and sometimes up to 800.<br />
The congregation is drawn from all across <strong>Bristol</strong> and beyond with only about 10% living within the<br />
parish. The age distribution <strong>of</strong> those attending all services, taken during a typical week in May 2012, is<br />
shown below. They are shown below as percentages <strong>of</strong> those who responded to the request.<br />
0 5 10 15 20 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100<br />
CHILDREN ADULTS<br />
This shows quite an even spread across the age ranges <strong>–</strong> the notable exception being those between the<br />
ages <strong>of</strong> 15 and 30<br />
8
4. Ministry<br />
Licensed Assistant Ministers:<br />
The Revd Wendy Hough <strong>Parish</strong> Missioner & School Chaplain (half time each)<br />
Wendy’s role as Missioner is to build and strengthen links with the people and organisations in <strong>Redcliffe</strong><br />
parish, to enable the outreach <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> church community to its parish. This involves<br />
supporting and developing the work <strong>of</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Care, focussing mission, engendering faith and leading<br />
worship. Her linked role as chaplain requires teaching and pastoral work in SMRT school, leading<br />
services for the pupils, both in the school and in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> church, and thereby strengthening the<br />
links between school and church. She leads and preaches at Sunday services all through the year except<br />
for six weeks holiday. Wendy lives in a church property, adjacent to the south churchyard, with her<br />
teenage daughter.<br />
The Revd Dr Hester Jones Associate Priest (part time, Self Supporting)<br />
Hester’s ministry includes presiding, preaching and assisting at Sunday services and weekday services, as<br />
well as taking baptisms, weddings and funerals. As a self-supporting priest, she coordinates the monthly<br />
Taizé worship and the weekly Silent Prayer Meeting, has led <strong>Parish</strong> Retreats and Pilgrimages, and enjoys<br />
time spent among the Choirs and the opportunity to be alongside Boys, Girls and Men on their Annual<br />
Tours. Her part-time work in the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong> has led to some fruitful links with both students<br />
and staff, and her current writing on Twentieth-Century Poetry and Christianity can creatively inform<br />
ministry, and vice versa! In outreach to the wider world she has been involved in developing a link<br />
between <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and the Church <strong>of</strong> the Saviour <strong>of</strong> the World, Xai-Xai, coordinating our food<br />
collection for the Sisters <strong>of</strong> the Church, as well as helping to gather Shoebox gifts and donations for<br />
UkraineAid. Hester is also a member <strong>of</strong> the Deanery Leadership Team. She is married to Ralph, who<br />
also works in <strong>Bristol</strong> University, and is mother to Barney (13) and Constance (11); they all enjoy<br />
taking part in church life, particularly in the choirs. Hester has one Sunday per month and four weeks per<br />
year <strong>of</strong>f-duty.<br />
Licensed Retired Ministers:<br />
The Revd Peter Dill Retired priest who ministers regularly<br />
The Revd Canon Michael Vooght Retired priest who ministers regularly<br />
The Revd Canon John Rogan Retired priest who ministers regularly<br />
The Revd Canon Neville Boundy Retired priest who ministers occasionally<br />
No resolutions under the Priest (Ordination <strong>of</strong> Women) Measure have been passed<br />
9
Lay involvement:<br />
Lay people sometimes lead Mattins and Evensong on Sundays and take many roles at the Eucharists. Lay<br />
people are involved in pastoral visiting. A Ministry Team, comprising clergy and lay service <strong>of</strong>ficiants,<br />
meets weekly to review and prepare for worship, and to address any pastoral needs that have arisen and<br />
respond appropriately. Pastoral contact groups have also been put together to respond to needs both <strong>of</strong><br />
established members <strong>of</strong> the congregation and <strong>of</strong> newer worshippers, but the full working through <strong>of</strong><br />
these groups has been put on hold during the vacancy.<br />
Lay Officiants<br />
Sundays, Matins/Evensong Bryan Anderson, Denise Reynolds, Alison Ranken<br />
Weekday Offices Matthew Buckmaster, Carys Underdown, Bryan Anderson<br />
Angela Hogg, Cecile Gillard and others<br />
Administrants<br />
There are nineteen lay administrants who assist at the Sunday communion services, a small group at the 8<br />
am said Communion service and a larger group at the 9.30 Sung Eucharist. Nine <strong>of</strong> them serve as<br />
Deacon or Sub Deacon at the 9.30 service. Regular training opportunities are available and we always<br />
seek to <strong>of</strong>fer worship that is dignified and reverent.<br />
Servers<br />
Servers cover a wide age range with the youngest being aged 11 and the oldest over 80. Over the four<br />
services each Sunday there are eleven servers, six <strong>of</strong> them serving at the Sung Eucharist. The serving is <strong>of</strong><br />
a high standard and regular training sessions are held. The <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Guild <strong>of</strong> Servers was<br />
established in 1996 and provides fellowship between servers. Current membership is 26. Servers and<br />
administrants past and present come together from time to time for social occasions.<br />
Readers, Intercessors and Offertory Procession<br />
Every Sunday lay people read the lessons at the 9.30 am Eucharist service and a smaller number prepare<br />
the intercessions. Over the year this means that between 55 and 60 people read lessons, 12 prepare<br />
intercessions and 10 families, 5 church groups and 40 individuals form the <strong>of</strong>fertory procession. Practice<br />
sessions are <strong>of</strong>fered to readers; training sessions and ongoing support are also available for those who<br />
would like to prepare intercessions. Anyone asking to take part in the <strong>of</strong>fertory will be put on the rota.<br />
Sidesmen<br />
There are currently 36 sidesmen, aged between 30 and 85, who help to welcome people to services.<br />
They are assisted by about 15 Vestrymen and the Church Wardens. They cover all Sunday services and<br />
many others, including baptisms, funerals and weddings, as well as concerts. They hand out the books<br />
and service sheets, see people to their seats and take the collections. After services they collect the<br />
books and assist the Church Warden or a Vestryman to count the collections. They also attend courses<br />
on fire safety and first aid so as to be competent to deal with anyone who is unwell and to facilitate any<br />
emergency evacuation.<br />
10
5. The Church Wardens<br />
At <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> there are 2 Wardens voted in each year at the Annual Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Parish</strong>ioners. They<br />
normally hold <strong>of</strong>fice for a total <strong>of</strong> 4 years, the first 2 years as Junior Warden and a further 2 years as<br />
Church Warden. Currently these are:<br />
Church Warden Alan Roberts<br />
Alan is a retired Aerodynamicist from the <strong>Bristol</strong> Aerospace Industry. He has worshipped at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong><br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> since 1963, has served on the PCC, Vestry and the Fabric Committee and is currently in his<br />
fourth year as a Church Warden. His wife Wendy is also active in the SMR community. He has 2 children<br />
and 1 grandchild, all living near <strong>Bristol</strong>.<br />
Junior Warden Simon Goodman<br />
Simon is barrister whose first degree was in Music. He practises from Queen Square, very near the<br />
church though just outside the parish. Having worshipped for many years at another <strong>Bristol</strong> church, he<br />
started attending SMR regularly when his son was in the choir, and stayed! He too has served on the<br />
PCC and the Vestry and was a server and administrant before becoming Junior Warden in 2011. He is<br />
married to a local GP and has two teenage children.<br />
One or both Church Wardens attend each Sunday service apart from the 8am Eucharist. They are<br />
accompanied by a member <strong>of</strong> Vestry. They read both the Lessons at the 11.15am Mattins and usually one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Lessons at Evensong.<br />
6. The Church <strong>St</strong>aff<br />
The Church has 9 Employees organised in 3 departments as follows:<br />
Administration<br />
Mrs Pat Terry <strong>Parish</strong> Administrator<br />
Mrs Ros Houseago Administrative Assistant<br />
Music<br />
Mr Andrew Kirk Director <strong>of</strong> Music and Organist<br />
Mr Graham and Mrs Claire Alsop Assistant Organists (job share)<br />
Vergers<br />
Mr Matthew Buckmaster Head Verger<br />
Dr Carys Underdown Verger<br />
Miss Joy <strong>St</strong>evens Verger (part time)<br />
Ms Sally Trivett Cleaner (part time)<br />
11
Organograms<br />
Appendix 6 shows the organisational structure <strong>of</strong> the <strong>St</strong>aff, the PCC and other Committees<br />
and groups.<br />
The <strong>Parish</strong> Office <strong>–</strong> Administration Department<br />
There is a well-equipped parish <strong>of</strong>fice (owned by the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Church Lands Charity) just outside<br />
the south west gate <strong>of</strong> the churchyard at 12 Colston Parade, <strong>Redcliffe</strong>. This is a 3 storey building with a<br />
basement; the parish <strong>of</strong>fice uses the ground and first floors to house 3 <strong>of</strong>fices, a lounge and two meeting<br />
rooms and is well equipped with computers, a network with a remote access server and a<br />
photocopier/printer. It is staffed on weekdays by the <strong>Parish</strong> Administrator and the Admin Assistant.<br />
There is also space for the Director <strong>of</strong> Music and a separate <strong>of</strong>fice for the incumbent. The Church<br />
Wardens, PCC Secretary, PCC Treasurer and the Magazine Editor also regularly use the <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
The Vergers Department<br />
The three vergers cover the opening hours <strong>of</strong> the church from 8am to 5pm, 7days a week, every week as<br />
well as opening the church for evening functions and services several times per month. The Verging team<br />
performs a variety <strong>of</strong> roles including ceremonial, sacristan and organisational duties at baptisms, weddings<br />
and funerals as well as at Sunday services. They also take care <strong>of</strong> the silver, vestments and linen and are<br />
responsible for the church records and registers. They also keep the church clean, the grounds tidy and<br />
carry out minor maintenance. In conjunction with the parish <strong>of</strong>fice they also facilitate major maintenance<br />
by contractors and events such as concerts, lectures and meetings. Finally the Vergers are an important<br />
initial point <strong>of</strong> contact for those seeking pastoral help and they support our volunteers in providing a<br />
welcome to visitors and to members <strong>of</strong> the SMR community.<br />
The Music Department<br />
12<br />
The music staff (Director <strong>of</strong> Music and<br />
Assistant Organists) are ably assisted by<br />
several choirs and a University Organ<br />
Scholar. The main choir has 18 men,<br />
including some University Choral Scholars,<br />
and up to 20 boys aged 8 <strong>–</strong> 14. The<br />
number <strong>of</strong> boy choristers is currently<br />
lower so we are actively recruiting and<br />
introducing a scheme <strong>of</strong> instrumental<br />
scholarships. Choir practices are held on<br />
Tuesdays (boys) and Fridays (full). Vocal<br />
coaching is provided for choristers. The<br />
choir sings at most <strong>of</strong> the Sunday services<br />
(except during school holidays), and<br />
undertakes regular tours to UK cathedrals<br />
with occasional overseas visits.
A Girls’ Choir (ages 8 upwards) was<br />
formed a few years ago and<br />
rehearses on Thursday afternoons,<br />
singing two Sunday services per<br />
month with the choir men and taking<br />
part in combined choir services with<br />
the boys and men at the Eucharist on<br />
Mothering Sunday, the Patronal<br />
Festival, Harvest and Christmas Day.<br />
There is also a mixed voice adult <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Chamber Choir, which sings one or two services per term,<br />
and the <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Occasional Choir (non-auditioned) which sings during school holidays. Visiting choirs<br />
also enjoy singing at the church during the summer. A wide range <strong>of</strong> musical events, concerts and recitals<br />
occurs throughout the year; outside musical groups perform here regularly including <strong>Bristol</strong> Bach Choir,<br />
Phoenix Choir, “Exultate” Singers and various school ensembles. There are organ concerts on Thursday<br />
lunchtimes in term time. CD Recordings <strong>of</strong> the choir or organ are regularly made.<br />
The Organ<br />
The church has in its care one <strong>of</strong> the finest pipe organs<br />
in the country with its 4 manuals and pedals, 71 stops<br />
and 4327 pipes. In 2009-10 it was fully restored by its<br />
original builders Harrison and Harrison <strong>of</strong> Durham at a<br />
cost <strong>of</strong> £800,000. Two church-based charities<br />
provided half <strong>of</strong> the funds, with Trusts and individuals<br />
contributing the remainder.<br />
Our Organ Consultant, Dr William McVicker<br />
describes the organ: “It is no exaggeration to describe the<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> organ as the finest high-romantic organ ever<br />
constructed”.<br />
8. The PCC - The Parochial Church Council <strong>of</strong> the Ecclesiastical <strong>Parish</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong>, Registered Charity No. 1134120<br />
The PCC consults with the minister on matters <strong>of</strong> general concern and importance to the parish<br />
and cooperates with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission <strong>of</strong> the church <strong>–</strong><br />
pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also considers and discusses matters concerning<br />
the Church <strong>of</strong> England or the deanery and diocesan synods. The PCC sets an annual budget,<br />
raises and collects money for the church’s work in the parish and decides jointly with the<br />
minister the purposes for which such money is to be applied.<br />
The PCC is composed <strong>of</strong> 21 elected members (15 PCC and 6 Deanery Synod) plus the Priests<br />
and Church Wardens: it is currently chaired by Alan Roberts, the Church Warden; Simon<br />
Goodman the Junior Warden is Vice Chairman, the PCC Secretary is Mrs Greca Warr and the<br />
PCC Treasurer is Jeremy Knight.<br />
There are currently 8 ordinary PCC meetings per year at which major items are discussed,<br />
committee reports are received, resolutions are made and decisions are recorded. Between<br />
PCC meetings some <strong>of</strong> the PCC powers are delegated to the <strong>St</strong>anding Committee.<br />
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The detailed work <strong>of</strong> the PCC is undertaken by the following committees:<br />
PCC Committees<br />
Resources (includes <strong>St</strong>ewardship & Fundraising), Education (includes Sunday School),<br />
Outreach & Evangelism, Safeguarding, Social, Health & Safety<br />
PCC Representation on other Committees (see Section 9, page 15)<br />
Fabric , Insurance, Personnel, Publicity & Outreach<br />
PCC Working Groups<br />
<strong>St</strong> John’s Chapel Group, Welcome Group, Undercr<strong>of</strong>t / ARA Group<br />
Resources Committee<br />
PCC Committees<br />
This committee aims to monitor, maintain and grow the resources, both human and financial, <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong><br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> PCC and church community. It consists <strong>of</strong> the PCC Treasurer the Church Warden, the Junior<br />
Warden, the Incumbent and other members the PCC may appoint or the committee may co-opt. They<br />
oversee the sub-committees dealing with <strong>St</strong>ewardship, Planned Giving and Fund Raising. The Planned<br />
Giving Recorder and the Electoral Roll Officer both report to the PCC through this committee. As well<br />
as setting the budget and monitoring the finances as reported below, an initiative last year produced a list<br />
<strong>of</strong> Talents <strong>of</strong> the congregation, which should be useful for planning voluntary activities, but this has not<br />
yet been used to advantage.<br />
PCC Finances: Appendix 2 presents the PCC <strong>St</strong>atement <strong>of</strong> Financial Activities for 2011; this gives<br />
details <strong>of</strong> the accounts with brief explanatory notes. The Pie Chart below shows how the annual<br />
expenditure <strong>of</strong> the PCC is currently allocated.<br />
Health & Safety Committee<br />
This committee meets at least twice a year to ensure that we meet our Health & Safety responsibilities to<br />
our employees, volunteers, visitors and the general public.<br />
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Safeguarding Committee<br />
The PCC has set up a Safeguarding Committee to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> children and vulnerable adults.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> has a large number <strong>of</strong> children and young people in its boys’ choir, girls’ choir and<br />
Sunday School. Their care and protection is taken very seriously and we strive to make the church a<br />
safe and welcoming place. All people working with our children and young people go through the<br />
church’s child protection vetting procedure and CRB Enhanced Disclosure.<br />
The members, appointed annually by the PCC include PCC <strong>of</strong>ficers, the Safeguarding <strong>of</strong>ficer, four<br />
Children’s Champions (two women and two men) and a Lunch Club representative. The Children’s<br />
Champions are readily available to any child or young person who feels they need to talk to someone.<br />
Outreach and Evangelism Committee<br />
This PCC Committee promotes the outreach <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> within the parish, the city and beyond.<br />
The committee recommends the PCC to support a variety <strong>of</strong> relevant initiatives. These include support<br />
to various charities throughout the year as well as the Lent Project and special collections at Christmas.<br />
They also procure or produce the annual Christmas Card which goes out to every home in the parish.<br />
Recently supported charities include The Children's Society, the Salvation Army Candle Project, the<br />
Sisters <strong>of</strong> the Church, the <strong>St</strong>. James Priory Project, the Julian Trust. Other special collections are also<br />
made in cases <strong>of</strong> disaster, usually via the Disasters Emergency Committee (SMR raised over £4000 for the<br />
East Africa appeal in 2011).<br />
The annual Lent Project recently has alternated between overseas and home projects. Last year we<br />
raised just over £3,000 for EMMAUS (working for the homeless in <strong>Bristol</strong>) while this year we collected<br />
just under £3000 for MANNA, the Mozambique and Angola Anglican Association, in support <strong>of</strong> the<br />
parish <strong>of</strong> The Saviour <strong>of</strong> the World, Xai-Xai in the <strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> Lebombo, with which we have an<br />
established link. Their bishop, Dinis Sengulane, has a long-standing association with <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong><br />
dating from his days as a student in <strong>Bristol</strong>. We also give £1,000 each, annually, to U.S.P.G. and C.M.S.<br />
and have another £1,000 in the PCC budget to be given at the recommendation <strong>of</strong> the committee<br />
9. The <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Church Lands Charity, Registered No. 211109<br />
(the ‘Vestry’)<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> benefits significantly from the income from endowments given to the church over the<br />
centuries. These endowments are managed by the Trustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Church Lands<br />
Charity (usually known as the Vestry). The income from the charity is used for the maintenance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ministry <strong>of</strong> the church and towards the upkeep <strong>of</strong> the building. Therefore, while the PCC, <strong>of</strong> course, has<br />
overall responsibility for the fabric, it does not need to fund the maintenance; hence the PCC finances<br />
can all be used elsewhere (e.g. on administration, running costs, the <strong>Parish</strong> Share and outreach).<br />
There are currently 17 Vestry trustees who come from two directions; firstly from within the<br />
congregation <strong>of</strong> the church and secondly from the business world, in order to give specialist advice on<br />
matters such as investment and insurance. All are fully committed to ensuring the continuity <strong>of</strong> all that is<br />
good at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong>.<br />
The Vestry and the PCC<br />
Several Vestry trustees are also members <strong>of</strong> the PCC. Representatives <strong>of</strong> both Vestry and PCC currently<br />
sit on the Fabric Committee and the PCC has representatives on the Vestry Insurance and Personnel<br />
Committees as well as on the newly formed Vestry Publicity and Outreach Committee.<br />
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Under the last incumbent much work was done on good governance, and members <strong>of</strong> the PCC and<br />
Vestry have worked together to produce a document entitled ‘Working in harmony’ in order to clarify<br />
the relationship between the two organisations and their respective and <strong>of</strong>ten overlapping responsibilities.<br />
The Vestry and the PCC are both happy to answer any questions that members <strong>of</strong> the congregation may<br />
have regarding this working relationship.<br />
PCC and Vestry Collaboration<br />
Fabric Committee (a Joint PCC and Vestry Committee)<br />
The Fabric Committee currently consists <strong>of</strong> the Church Warden, 2 members <strong>of</strong> PCC, 2 members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Church Lands Charity (the Vestry) with, in attendance, the Church Architect (Marcus<br />
Chantrey), a member <strong>of</strong> Canynges Society and the <strong>Parish</strong> Administrator, who acts as committee clerk.<br />
The remit from the PCC and the Vestry is to oversee the care <strong>of</strong> the Church buildings and churchyard,<br />
according to needs identified by the Church Architect and the PCC, to recommend to the PCC and the<br />
Vestry the prioritisation <strong>of</strong> the work and to ask the PCC to request Faculties or seek any other necessary<br />
permissions. The Fabric Committee also obtains estimates <strong>of</strong> the costs involved to pass on to the Vestry<br />
and PCC to approve and to seek or allocate funding.<br />
When budgets have been allocated the Fabric Committee Chairman and Church Architect obtain quotes<br />
and then select and instruct contractors. Regular reports on the progress <strong>of</strong> works are made to the<br />
Committee members, the PCC and the Vestry in the Fabric Report, which is issued at least 4 times a<br />
year, together with summary reports <strong>of</strong> progress to the PCC, the Vestry and to the congregation via the<br />
<strong>Parish</strong> Magazine. Appendix 3 to this <strong>Parish</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>ile</strong> is a current Fabric Report and Appendix 4 is a<br />
Report <strong>of</strong> Work carried out in the last financial year 2011-2012.<br />
At present our Church Architect, Marcus Chantrey, is carrying out a Quinquennial Inspection and will be<br />
presenting his report at the next Fabric Committee in October.<br />
Insurance Committee (Vestry Committee with PCC representation)<br />
The PCC has delegated all the Church Building, Contents, Personal and Liability Insurance matters to the<br />
Vestry. The Vestry Insurance Committee attends to these responsibilities and interfaces with our<br />
insurers EIG. Its members include the Church Wardens and representatives from the PCC<br />
Personnel Committee (Vestry Committee with PCC representation)<br />
The PCC has delegated to the Vestry the employment <strong>of</strong> our 9 paid employees. The Vestry has set up<br />
the Personnel Committee to carry out their responsibilities as an employer; these include the terms <strong>of</strong><br />
reference, the remuneration, welfare, training and discipline <strong>of</strong> the employees. The committee normally<br />
consists <strong>of</strong> the Incumbent and Church Wardens together with representatives appointed by the Vestry<br />
and the PCC. It is chaired by a Vestry Trustee with experience as an employer.<br />
Publicity & Outreach Committee (Vestry Committee with PCC representation)<br />
Working in liaison with the PCC, this recently formed committee supports the Vestry’s commitment to<br />
maintaining the fabric and supporting divine worship in several ways. It helps to publicise special services,<br />
events and initiatives at the church, it is involved in the development <strong>of</strong> a vision for the improvement <strong>of</strong><br />
our visitor facilities and currently it is also engaging with the City Council, the local Enterprise Zone and<br />
the local community in the formulation <strong>of</strong> plans for redevelopment <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Way area immediately<br />
to the north <strong>of</strong> the church..<br />
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Other Groups set up by the PCC<br />
<strong>St</strong> John’s Chapel Group<br />
This group was set up in 2011 to look at the requirements for renovating the <strong>St</strong> John’s Chapel <strong>–</strong> in the<br />
North West corner under the tower <strong>of</strong> the church. This is an area <strong>of</strong> the church which has been<br />
neglected in the last half century. The group is developing a plan in conjunction with the new Church<br />
Architect.<br />
The Welcome Group<br />
This group is tasked with looking at all aspects <strong>of</strong> our Welcome, and suggesting improvements both in the<br />
near term (e.g. better signage and information about the fabric and about services) and further ahead (in<br />
anticipation <strong>of</strong> future developments in the <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Way area, which are currently being discussed with<br />
<strong>Bristol</strong> City Council and other organisations). This group is producing a report to present to the PCC in<br />
October.<br />
10. The Bells and Bell Ringers<br />
There has been a ring <strong>of</strong> bells in the tower since at least 1662. Most <strong>of</strong><br />
the present bells are renowned as one <strong>of</strong> the finest rings <strong>of</strong> 12 in the<br />
country. These were mostly cast in 1903 by Taylors <strong>of</strong> Loughborough to<br />
replace an older 1897 peal <strong>of</strong> bells. However, three <strong>of</strong> the older bells<br />
were kept; two <strong>of</strong> these were cast by Thomas Bilbie <strong>of</strong> Chew <strong>St</strong>oke in<br />
1768 and the third was cast by Purdue in 1662. It is interesting to note<br />
that this bell was being rung at the time <strong>of</strong> the Great Plague and the<br />
Great Fire <strong>of</strong> London. Since the ring <strong>of</strong> 12 was installed, two more bells<br />
have been added so that a true diatonic scale can be rung without using<br />
the heaviest bells. The lightest <strong>of</strong> the bells weighs 6 cwt (300kg) and the<br />
heaviest, the Tenor, weighs 2.5 tons (2500kg).<br />
A new bell, to replace the inferior Bilbie 1768 8 th bell, was cast at Taylors in June this year and is being<br />
installed in October.<br />
The Ringers Guild, founded in 1950, has approximately 45 members from all walks <strong>of</strong> life, aged between<br />
15 and 81. The incumbent normally chairs the Guild’s AGM.<br />
In a normal week, the bells are rung<br />
on Sunday mornings and evenings and<br />
Ringing Practice is on Thursday<br />
evening. Visitors are always welcome<br />
on both Sundays and Thursdays.<br />
<strong>St</strong>andards <strong>of</strong> ringing at <strong>Redcliffe</strong> are<br />
high and this has been reflected in the<br />
Guild winning competitions in<br />
Gloucester and <strong>Bristol</strong> as well as the<br />
Tewkesbury Shield.<br />
This year we rang handbells during<br />
the patronal festival and last year we<br />
also took part in a special ringers<br />
evensong service.<br />
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11. Other <strong>Parish</strong> Organisations<br />
<strong>St</strong>ewards at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong><br />
Our friendly volunteer stewards give a personal welcome to thousands <strong>of</strong> visitors each year. They are on<br />
hand to answer questions and provide practical information. <strong>St</strong>ewarding is a special and important part <strong>of</strong><br />
our ministry and mission. It is also sociable, great fun and <strong>of</strong>fers stewards the chance to meet people from<br />
many different backgrounds as well as learning more about the history and heritage <strong>of</strong> the church,<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> and <strong>Bristol</strong>. We aim to have stewards on duty every day, all day, from 1 March to 31 October.<br />
We currently have about 25 stewards but we need more people to join the team.<br />
The <strong>Parish</strong> Magazine<br />
This is a monthly publication giving details <strong>of</strong> activities, services, contacts and messages from the bishop,<br />
incumbent, churchwardens, fabric committee as well as recent sermons and articles <strong>of</strong> general interest. It<br />
is greatly appreciated by the congregation and has been very ably edited for the last 8 years. Very sadly,<br />
however, the editor died unexpectedly in August so we are currently looking for a new volunteer to take<br />
it on.<br />
Mothers Union<br />
This group meets every month, usually at the Church Centre, to enjoy fellowship together and listen to a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> speakers. They support the Hartcliffe and Withywood Teenage Parents Project, Friends for<br />
Parents at the Children’s Hospital and the Mothers Union Overseas and Emergency Funds as well as<br />
“Away from it All” holidays for disadvantaged families. Donations are made annually towards the<br />
Mothering Sunday flowers and cards are given to every child baptised at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong>.<br />
The Social Committee<br />
This is a subcommittee <strong>of</strong> the PCC - a group <strong>of</strong> 5 or 6 people who have Food Hygiene and Safety<br />
Certificates. They organise, prepare and serve refreshments for a variety <strong>of</strong> events including lunches for<br />
the congregation about 6 or 7 times a year. These alternate between “Bring & Share” and sit-down meals<br />
prepared by the committee. Younger families seem to prefer the former and the parents <strong>of</strong> those<br />
families are organising the next lunch after the Harvest Festival Eucharist in October. The committee will<br />
also provide the food at the “Bids and Bites” fundraising Auction.<br />
The Brownies<br />
The 118th <strong>Bristol</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Brownie Pack was first formed in 1952 and flourished until 1969<br />
when local housing was cleared to make way for flats. It was reopened in 1976 by the same leader and<br />
in 1995 her daughter took over and is still running the pack with a varied programme <strong>of</strong> fun, activities and<br />
friendship. They meet on Mondays at 6.30pm to 8pm at the Church Centre. This year we have done<br />
Badge work with our Community policeman, visited the Zoo on Discovery Day and also went to the<br />
Bitton Railway for a <strong>St</strong>eam Train Ride. We welcome all girls aged between 7 and 10 years <strong>–</strong> <strong>of</strong> all<br />
nationalities and religions. There are currently 12 girls with 2 Brownie Guide leaders and 2 helpers.<br />
Pot Luck Lunches<br />
This is a no-pressure group for making and meeting friends over a shared meal <strong>–</strong> everyone brings either<br />
sandwiches for 2 or fruit for 2. C<strong>of</strong>fee or tea, china and comfortable seats are provided, usually in the<br />
home <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the organisers. Since 2000 it has met on the Monday after the first Sunday <strong>of</strong> each month.<br />
Anybody who goes to SMR is welcomed and we like to make new friends; at the moment about 8 or 10<br />
mainly elderly ladies attend each month. They talk about everything under the sun and enjoy each other's<br />
company. As parking can be a bit awkward regulars <strong>of</strong>ten share transport.<br />
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The Friends <strong>of</strong> Music at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Limited (Registered Charity No. 1077720)<br />
Founded in 1996, this charity supports our musical life and ministry. It currently has about 80 members.<br />
The Friends underwrite the weekly Thursday organ concerts, CD recordings and other choir or celebrity<br />
concerts, as well as provision <strong>of</strong> vocal coaching for choristers. Grants are made towards courses<br />
attended by choristers or young organists. An annual Christmas Carol Concert generates funds for other<br />
<strong>Bristol</strong> Charities to help the elderly and vulnerable.<br />
Flowers at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> needs little to enhance its beauty but<br />
flowers are always a welcome sight in church. The flower<br />
team <strong>of</strong> three volunteers make sure there are fresh flowers<br />
every week, well arranged and appropriate for the season;<br />
these are <strong>of</strong>ten paid for in memory <strong>of</strong> loved ones. We also<br />
occasionally arrange flowers for weddings. The busiest<br />
times are, <strong>of</strong> course, Christmas, Easter, Rush Sunday and<br />
Harvest when we call upon a willing band <strong>of</strong> helpers.<br />
At Rush Sunday (Whitsunday), as well as producing 5 or 6<br />
arrangements around the church we make about 50 posies<br />
for the Lord Mayor and <strong>Bristol</strong> City Aldermen and<br />
Councillors. The team love their work and consider it as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> their faith and worship.<br />
12. Mission and Ministry<br />
Many opportunities for nurturing growth in discipleship are available and teaching is something we value<br />
highly. These opportunities have recently included Lent discussion groups, 'Bible in an Hour' sessions and<br />
times <strong>of</strong> reflection and discussion within the <strong>Parish</strong> Retreat and <strong>Parish</strong> Pilgrimage. In recent years we have<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered a series <strong>of</strong> sermons through the summer months which have focused on teaching that relates to<br />
our spiritual and prayer lives, and we have also invited lay people to speak to the place <strong>of</strong> 'God in my Life'<br />
within summer Evensong Sermons. We regularly also <strong>of</strong>fer teaching in preparation for baptism, marriage<br />
or confirmation, or by individual request.<br />
Christian Meditation Group<br />
The Christian Meditation Group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. The Group uses the mantra<br />
‘Maranatha’ (‘Come Lord Jesus’), following the teaching <strong>of</strong> John Main, to direct our thoughts towards God<br />
during the period <strong>of</strong> silence, which lasts thirty minutes.<br />
We open and close our time <strong>of</strong> silence with spoken prayers, and are happy to bring into the silence any<br />
concerns or petitions that may be <strong>of</strong>fered by members <strong>of</strong> the group before the silence begins. This period<br />
<strong>of</strong> meditation and prayer is <strong>of</strong>ten followed by chat and fellowship.<br />
Bible Reading Fellowship<br />
A small group continues regular study <strong>of</strong> the bible, both devotionally and critically. The group numbers<br />
around 15 although sadly 2 <strong>of</strong> our long-standing members passed away this year.<br />
House Group<br />
The House Group meets at Pembroke Rd about once a month to study the readings for the following<br />
Sunday. It is advertised in the pew leaflet at least a week before; all are welcome.<br />
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Retreats and Pilgrimages<br />
A parish pilgrimage was recently undertaken to the Abbey in Iona, and retreats have been held in various<br />
places including Ivy House, Warminster and <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong>'s Wantage.<br />
Agenda for Growth:<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> adopted an Agenda for Growth (enclosed) at the APCM in 2008. In following this<br />
agenda, we are looking at how we reach out to residents <strong>of</strong> the parish, tourists, visitors and the local<br />
business community.<br />
Schools: There are three schools in, or associated with, the parish:-<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> Children’s Centre:<br />
Local authority centre in the parish, incumbent is a governor<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> Children’s Centre <strong>of</strong>fers high quality, fully integrated education and care for children under 5<br />
years and their families within <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and local communities.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> VC Primary School: (not now in the parish)<br />
PCC appoints three Foundation Governors<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Primary School is a Church <strong>of</strong> England Voluntary Controlled School. It draws pupils<br />
partly from within our parish but is sited just outside in Victoria Park. A recent inspection found it to be<br />
“a purposeful, welcoming and inclusive community, in which pupils thrive in their learning and in their<br />
spiritual, moral, social and cultural development”.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and Temple VA School:<br />
Incumbent is a governor, PCC appoints 3 Foundation Governors.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and Temple School is the only Church <strong>of</strong> England Voluntary Aided Secondary School in<br />
<strong>Bristol</strong>. It is a high achieving school with a distinctive Christian ethos and it provides good relationships,<br />
safe boundaries and opportunities for empowered learning.<br />
13. Outreach:<br />
Work with the three schools is well established so the PCC decided to focus on outreach to local<br />
residents and to tourists and visitors. We support a particular piece <strong>of</strong> social outreach to local residents,<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> Care, which runs a weekly lunch club for the elderly, and quarterly services in church. It also<br />
runs a Christmas lunch for those who would otherwise be alone.<br />
The <strong>Parish</strong> Missioner and School Chaplain to <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and Temple School also has a specific brief<br />
to develop roots in the local community, working with a range <strong>of</strong> local organisations, including the Police<br />
and the Colston Society (a local charity) and we are supporting the development <strong>of</strong> a community facility<br />
in <strong>Redcliffe</strong> using the Anglican-Methodist church centre.<br />
Particular future plans already established:<br />
Welcome<br />
Welcome has also been adopted by the Canynges Society (see below) as a theme for this year’s<br />
president’s appeal. It is intended that this will support the realisation <strong>of</strong> the PCC Welcome Group’s<br />
more immediate suggested improvements as well as planning future, more ambitious, developments,<br />
appropriate to our church’s particularly fine architecture and status as a city centre attraction.<br />
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<strong>Redcliffe</strong> Care<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> Care was established to promote the church’s outreach programme in the parish, and<br />
over the last five years it has supported the <strong>Parish</strong> Missioner’s work in the community. It is run<br />
by a group <strong>of</strong> volunteers, which sometimes includes students from <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> & Temple<br />
School. Its work is mostly aimed at the elderly and its most important programme is the<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> Lunch and Social Club. This provides a two course hot lunch and entertainment for up<br />
to 30 members every Wednesday at the Church Centre in Prewett <strong>St</strong>reet. This provides an<br />
outing, companionship and<br />
friendship for those who live<br />
lonely lives. Other activities<br />
include four special services for<br />
the elderly every year followed<br />
by tea and cakes. A Christmas<br />
Day Lunch is organized every<br />
year at the Church Centre for<br />
anyone who is by themselves<br />
or lonely, and small gifts are<br />
also distributed to the elderly<br />
in the parish at Christmas time.<br />
SMR Journey into Science<br />
This is a programme <strong>of</strong> talks and debates, run by lay members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong><br />
community, to enable members <strong>of</strong> the public to appreciate, ponder and debate developments in<br />
current science and technology. Occasionally these focus overtly on issues <strong>of</strong> science and<br />
religion. Speakers include members <strong>of</strong> our congregation as well as distinguished visitors and we<br />
attract audiences <strong>of</strong> between 30 and 100+. Some <strong>of</strong> our regulars would never otherwise enter<br />
a church. These events are <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
held in partnership with outside<br />
organisations such as the British<br />
Science Association. Journey<br />
into Science also sponsored the<br />
very beautiful Chaotic Pendulum<br />
and which has been in the north<br />
transept since 1997. This<br />
intriguing device, depending on<br />
the movement <strong>of</strong> water through<br />
a tubular pendulum, was created<br />
by the late Sir Brian Pippard, FRS,<br />
and this is the only example on<br />
display anywhere.<br />
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Open Doors Day<br />
Every year at the beginning <strong>of</strong><br />
September <strong>Bristol</strong> has an Open<br />
Doors Day.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> is a favourite<br />
venue and here are some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
visitors enjoying a wonderful<br />
view over the ro<strong>of</strong>tops <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong>.<br />
We also organise ro<strong>of</strong> tours as a<br />
fund raiser at other times<br />
between April and October.<br />
The Arc Café in the Undercr<strong>of</strong>t<br />
The new café known as the Arc Café in the Undercr<strong>of</strong>t is an innovative new partnership<br />
between <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> church and ARA (The Addiction Recovery Agency) with support from<br />
<strong>Bristol</strong> City Council. This Café will be a great facility for all our visitors and volunteers, as well<br />
as being an important aspect <strong>of</strong> our Christian outreach to the community. The Arc Café<br />
opened informally on 6 th July and they plan to have a formal Gala Opening later this year.<br />
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The café has four main purposes:<br />
Providing a high quality public café;<br />
Providing volunteering and work experience<br />
opportunities for people in recovery from<br />
substance misuse;<br />
Providing a safe space for people in<br />
recovery to meet;<br />
Combatting the stigma experienced by<br />
many people in recovery from<br />
substance misuse.<br />
The café is open five days a week (Tuesday <strong>–</strong> Saturday) providing a wide range <strong>of</strong> refreshments<br />
and meals. It is staffed by two pr<strong>of</strong>essional catering staff assisted by six volunteers in recovery.<br />
assisting. All volunteers have been drug and alcohol free for over a year and everyone has<br />
successfully completed training in customer service and food safety provided by the City <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Bristol</strong> College. The café is seen as providing an important stepping-stone for people in recovery<br />
to acquire skills and experience and to build confidence prior to re-entering paid employment.
The Jazz Club in the Undercr<strong>of</strong>t<br />
Every Wednesday evening from September to June<br />
there is a very lively Jazz Club in the undercr<strong>of</strong>t<br />
featuring a very long standing local jazz band <strong>–</strong> the<br />
Bluenotes <strong>–</strong> with Hannah Wedlock, their jazz singer.<br />
This stained glass screen in the undercr<strong>of</strong>t<br />
commemorates Roger Bennett, a very well known local<br />
radio presenter who was also a well-loved member <strong>of</strong><br />
the Bluenotes Jazz Band.<br />
Co-operation with other local churches (Anglican or Ecumenical):<br />
SMR is part <strong>of</strong> South <strong>Bristol</strong> Deanery, which runs as a partnership.<br />
SMR is involved in the City Centre Churches group (ecumenical). We took part in an English<br />
Litany Procession from Christchurch City to <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> at the end <strong>of</strong> June as part <strong>of</strong> our<br />
celebration <strong>of</strong> the 1662 Book <strong>of</strong> Common Prayer. Continuing that theme we will also be having<br />
a Sunday <strong>of</strong> exclusively BCP services on 14 th October. We support the use <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong> Thomas’s<br />
Church (in our parish) by the Romanian Orthodox Church and a group from SMR recently<br />
attended a service there and took our greetings on their 1 st anniversary.<br />
We work closely with the local Methodist community. Although the Methodist Church in<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> closed recently, we continue to work together to develop the effective use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Anglican <strong>–</strong> Methodist church centre.<br />
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14. Other Charities and Groups<br />
The Canynges Society (Reg. No. 242231)<br />
The objects <strong>of</strong> the Society are to raise funds with which to give support to the <strong>Parish</strong> Church <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong>, and to do this by making grants from time to time towards the restoration,<br />
upkeep and improvement <strong>of</strong> the building fabric and the churchyard.<br />
The income <strong>of</strong> the Society comes primarily from an annual Appeal by the President, augmented<br />
by receipts from the Society’s investment portfolio and annual donations by members. The<br />
Society attends the Fabric Committee so as to understand current fabric needs. A specific<br />
project for the appeal is then identified and agreed with the Churchwardens, PCC and Vestry.<br />
The Society produces an annual Gazette, partly to stay in touch with its members and partly to<br />
publicise the appeal.<br />
The Temple Ecclesiastical Charity (Reg. No. 229907)<br />
The incumbent is an ex-<strong>of</strong>ficio trustee<br />
This charity uses its funds to further religious and charitable work in the former parish <strong>of</strong><br />
Temple and Holy Cross (now part <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> parish) and across the whole <strong>Bristol</strong><br />
Archdeaconry. It gives <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> a regular annual grant towards staff costs as well as<br />
occasional grants for particular needs.<br />
The Bedminster Church Lands Charity (Reg. No. 264328)<br />
The incumbent is an ex-<strong>of</strong>ficio trustee<br />
This is a small grant-making charity deriving from <strong>St</strong>.John’s Bedminster and now supporting<br />
<strong>St</strong>.<strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> and <strong>St</strong>.Michael and All Angels, Bedminster.<br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> <strong>Parish</strong> Charity (Reg. No. 203916)<br />
The incumbent is normally invited to be a trustee<br />
This is a small charity with a disposable income <strong>of</strong> around £700 per month. It gives small grants<br />
to people in need, in the parish and the City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong>, on the recommendation <strong>of</strong> social services<br />
and charitable organisations.<br />
The Greater Churches Group<br />
This group was founded in 1991 as an informal association <strong>of</strong> non-cathedral churches which, by<br />
virtue <strong>of</strong> their great age, size, historical, architectural, or ecclesiastical importance, display many<br />
<strong>of</strong> the characteristics <strong>of</strong> a cathedral (see greaterchurches.org). <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> is a member <strong>of</strong><br />
this group, which meets every 2 years, to allow networking and cross fertilisation <strong>of</strong> ideas<br />
between the guardians <strong>of</strong> these buildings. These conferences are usually attended by the<br />
Incumbent, a Church Warden and the <strong>Parish</strong> Administrator.<br />
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15. Special Annual Services<br />
Rush Sunday<br />
The origin <strong>of</strong> the Rush Service at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong><br />
Following severe damage to the spire and church during a violent storm in 1446, it was restored<br />
by William Canynges, a wealthy merchant living in <strong>Redcliffe</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet, who was five times Mayor <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Bristol</strong>. In 1468, he was ordained priest and first celebrated the Holy Eucharist in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong><br />
<strong>Redcliffe</strong> on Whitsunday that year. To commemorate this, William Spenser, a later Mayor <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Bristol</strong>, made provision in 1493 for three sermons to be preached before the Mayor and<br />
commonalty on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after Whitsun. In accordance with<br />
the mediaeval use <strong>of</strong> Sarum for Whitsunday, the church was strewn with rushes; those attending<br />
the service carried nosegays <strong>of</strong> herbs as a protection against infection. The change to one<br />
sermon on Whitsunday was made at the time <strong>of</strong> the Reformation.<br />
The Annual Rush Service<br />
Held annually since then, the Rush Sunday service is now a spectacular Civic Service attended by<br />
the Lord Mayor, Sword Bearer, Aldermen and Councillors <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bristol</strong> wearing their<br />
traditional robes and regalia. The church is strewn with rushes brought in from Somerset and is<br />
decked out with flowers. Recently we have also had a marquee on the South churchyard from<br />
where sherry and cake are served to the congregation and City Council after the service.<br />
Patronal Festival (The Visitation)<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> has always used this particular festival day <strong>of</strong> the Virgin <strong>Mary</strong> as the Patronal<br />
Festival. On that day, in what should normally be high summer, we recognise all the varied<br />
groups <strong>of</strong> our church community in a special Eucharist Service with a procession <strong>of</strong> all the<br />
groups followed by the congregation all round the church and churchyard (or just round the<br />
inside <strong>of</strong> the church in wet weather). We then have a parish picnic lunch in the south<br />
churchyard.<br />
Carol Services<br />
As well as the Advent Sunday Carol Service and the Nine Lessons and Carols on Advent 4 we<br />
have an Ecumenical ‘United Carol Service’ with representatives <strong>of</strong> other denominations including<br />
the Silver Band and Songsters <strong>of</strong> the Salvation Army from Easton. We also have carol services at<br />
Epiphany and Easter and, additionally, many carol services are held each year throughout<br />
December for a wide range <strong>of</strong> different organisations and charities.<br />
Other Annual Services<br />
Several organisations also hold their annual services at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong> at other times <strong>of</strong> year.<br />
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16. Vision and Priorities<br />
Because we are very conscious <strong>of</strong> our privilege in having such a wonderful building we not only<br />
want to ensure its conservation for future generations but we want to use it to the greater<br />
glory <strong>of</strong> God, to attract people to our church, welcome them to our community, and so to<br />
draw as many as possible more closely into His love.<br />
Although we believe we are already a welcoming church we want to deepen and improve our<br />
welcome. There are opportunities to do this both in terms <strong>of</strong> fabric improvements to the<br />
facilities for visitors and in improving our communication with the city and the wider world.<br />
The facilities improvements are subject to many constraints and may depend considerably on<br />
wider city developments in the <strong>Redcliffe</strong> Way area. On the communications we have made a<br />
start with a greatly improved website as well as widening our invitations to people to attend<br />
our major annual services.<br />
The Agenda for Growth (Appendix 5) produced in 2008 is out <strong>of</strong> date and due for revision.<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> its content has already been accomplished; other areas have yet to receive our<br />
attention. It had two aspects, broadly speaking looking inwards to deepen the spiritual life <strong>of</strong><br />
the church community and looking outwards to share that spiritual life with others. We<br />
recognise that there have, for a number <strong>of</strong> reasons, been conflicts within our church and that<br />
we have fallen short <strong>of</strong> our calling and our potential. We need to continue to address these as<br />
together we seek to deepen our faith and prayer life. We value the opportunities so far given<br />
to grow in love and service <strong>of</strong> one another and <strong>of</strong> God's world, and seek to grow as a<br />
community <strong>of</strong> understanding and receptiveness to God's healing love and forgiveness.<br />
We hope for a strong leader to continue to take us forward together into being "a community<br />
<strong>of</strong> wholeness with Christ at the centre” and so that we can realise the very great potential we<br />
have at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Mary</strong> <strong>Redcliffe</strong>, a church both “traditional and progressive”.<br />
Version No. 2012k<br />
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