ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH BRAY - THE PARISH OF BRAY WITH BRAYWOOD in - St. Michael, Bray
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ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH BRAY
in
THE PARISH OF BRAY WITH BRAYWOOD
1
FOREWORD FROM THE ARCHDEACON OF BERKSHIRE
The parish of Bray is a delightful Thames-side settlement which has enjoyed a long period of stable
ministry and gentle growth, and is now looking to the future. The parish church is beautifully
looked after; the central worship is supported by enthusiastic and talented musicians; the ministry
to schools and nursing homes is well established; the gifted Lay Funeral Minister has a much
appreciated ministry; there is much to enjoy and celebrate.
However, the PCC recognises that there are challenges ahead. A large increase in population
brought about by new housing is a reality in the next few years. The church has many activities
designed to reach out to people, but needs help with looking strategically at how its energy can be
used more intentionally for missional effect. There is a need to encourage and enable the
congregation in using their giftedness for the Kingdom. Lay involvement in many aspects of the
church’s ministry will be enhanced and developed through good, relational leadership.
The PCC is keen to welcome a vicar who will work with them to build teams and develop the laity.
The current service pattern and provision may need to change; establishment of a pastoral team
would enhance the church’s offering to the community; setting up a church office would enable
smoother administration. There is a clear job to do here, in a parish where the pace of change will
need a sensitive and deft approach.
Bishop Steven is calling the Diocese to consider deeply what is means to be a more Christ-like
Church, a Church characterised by being more contemplative, compassionate and courageous. As
Bray looks to its future, we are seeking a priest who will joyfully seek to embody these qualities
and work with a generous and enthusiastic PCC to sharpen the focus of mission and ministry in
this beautiful part of Berkshire.
The Venerable Olivia Graham
SUMMARY
Our previous incumbent, the Rev. Richard Cowles, retired in September 2017 after 9 years
ministry in the parish. We now look forward to the next chapter in the life of Bray Parish, and pray
that you will know God’s guidance as you read this profile.
St Michael’s is a friendly and welcoming church, offering strong liturgical worship supported by a
robed choir singing more traditional music. There is a very healthy degree of Congregational
involvement and teamwork, and study groups are well-attended. The church plays a full part in
Maidenhead and Windsor Deanery and in the local community, enjoying close links with the Parish
Council. The present congregation tends towards older people, but with closer links to the church
schools being forged as part of our Mission Action Plan, we are addressing the age range. The
parish is geographically large, consisting mainly of residential and semi-rural areas. In common with
other parts of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Bray, Holyport and Fifield are under
increasing pressure to find space for additional housing. St. Michael’s is coping financially and always
pays its Parish Share in full. There will be opportunities to take a financially supported retreat. The
community is very supportive when fund raising for the church building. The PCC is well aware of
the shortcomings of the church’s location on the edge of the parish and the competition for the
time of young and old parishioners alike. We are convinced that a wider range of services and
venues, and continued adherence to the Mission Action Plan, will see St Michael’s reach many of its
goals. We recognise the need to work with you to set up a Parish Office to cope with the tasks at
present taken on by volunteers.
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2. ABOUT OUR PARISH
Bray and its parish are mentioned in Domesday (1086) as belonging to the crown. Together with
the adjoining parish of Cookham it originally covered the whole area of modern Maidenhead,
which only emerged as a settlement in the middle ages. Bray Parish was the reputed home of the
renowned Vicar of Bray who clung to his living through all the upheavals of the reformation.
Today’s parish of Bray with Braywood includes the south-eastern part of Maidenhead and adjoins
Windsor to the east, extending about four miles east to west and north to south. It contains the
villages of Bray and Holyport, several smaller settlements, much open country, and three miles of
the south bank of the Thames. The parish contains five schools, including two Church of England
primary schools. There is a good choice of schooling in the Royal Borough of Windsor and
Maidenhead and in neighbouring South Bucks. Population is about 10,400, with 4,150 households.
The parish electoral roll is 134, or 1.3% of the population. There are several housing developments
planned which could significantly increase this populational and some pastoral reorganisation may
be needed. Overall the parish rates in the upper 30% nationally for economic prosperity, but there
is a wide social mix. Housing includes three social housing developments and some riverside
homes worth millions. There are four care homes, and in Bray village the historic Jesus Hospital
alms houses. Most people travel to work beyond the parish. Many commute to Reading, Slough,
Heathrow or London. Access to London by M4 motorway or rail is fairly easy and will improve
when Crossrail opens. Unemployment is low and mobility is high. There are also many retired
people. Social pressures include those experienced by busy commuters, and the difficulties created
by very high housing costs especially for young people and key workers on modest incomes.
Loneliness can occur in the 24% of households which contain only one person, often a retired
person. As in the rest of Britain the secular trend away from Christianity towards no religion
presents a challenge.
Demographics from the 2011 census for Bray Parish include:-
%
Over 65s 18.3
Under 30s 35.0
Born outside the UK 17.0
Social Housing 8.4
Managerial/Professional Occupation 48.5
Unemployment 4.0
3. VISION
“To welcome all in Faith, Hope and Love”
This vision was agreed when we began work on our Mission Action Plan (MAP) in 2013. Since
then there have been two “away days” with the Parish Development Adviser, attendance by the
Vicar and three lay leaders at a “Leading Your Church into Growth” course, and a workshop with
the congregation. The cover of the MAP was designed by the Sunday School. It has been reviewed
regularly by the PCC, and several developments referred to in this profile stem directly from it.
The Mission Action Plan is included in Appendix 2.
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4. ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR VICAR
Mission and Outreach
• Work with us to increase church membership in all age groups.
• Be a convincing advocate for Christianity to everybody, including non-churchgoers.
• Play a visible and active part in the community.
• Develop and foster church links with schools to bring in younger families.
• Get more children involved in all-age services.
• Provide opportunities for other forms of worship in other locations in the Parish.
• Use opportunities provided by music to bring more people into church life.
• Ensure welcome for new arrivals is sustained.
• Use suitable courses to attract doubters, agnostics and non-believers.
Leadership and Working Collaboratively
• Further develop the involvement of the congregation in running the church.
• Working with us to develop the role of lay people in Ministry.
• Review, lead and develop the parish’s mission action plan.
Worship and Preaching
• Help us to develop a wider range of services to attract a wider range of worshippers whilst
enabling the pace of change to encompass the practices of the current congregation.
• Maintain elements of current practice which are valued by the existing congregation.
• Work with the group running courses and study groups to develop the range available.
Pastoral Care
• Continue to provide, with others, the church’s comfort and support to the sick, bereaved
and those in need, and visits to residential homes.
• Recognise and encourage and further develop the existing support network provided by lay
people.
• Seek opportunities to mix younger and older age groups.
Stewardship and Organisation
• Maintain the parish’s good relationships within the Maidenhead and Windsor deanery.
• Encourage the parish to continue paying its parish share in full.
• Maintain good relationships with other community organisations.
• Arrange services in other locations in the Parish.
5. PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications/Training
Essential
• Ordained priest within the Church of England, or a church in communion with it, or a
church whose orders it recognises.
• Have satisfactorily completed Initial Ministerial Education.
Experience
Essential
• Parish Ministry.
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• Engagement with and pastoral support for people of all backgrounds and ages.
• Active engagement with schools.
• Practice of traditional forms of worship.
Desirable
• Vision setting and team development.
• Varied life experience.
Knowledge/Skills and Competences
Essential
• Good preacher and effective communicator.
• Good inter-personal skills.
• Able to engage with people of all generations and backgrounds, especially children, both
within and outside the church.
Desirable
• Skilled at organisation and delegation.
General Attributes
Essential
• Ability to inspire.
• Energy.
• Appreciation of the value of music in enhancing worship and drawing people into church.
• Collaborative approach to other churches, faith groups and secular organisations.
Desirable
• Wide interests.
Other
Essential
• Ability to work to a safeguarding policy.
6. PATTERN OF WORSHIP
(This is the current practice and we would be open to discussion about change.)
Every Sunday
8 a.m: Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
10 a.m: Parish Communion (Common Worship – Order One)
An All-Age Eucharist on the first Sunday of the month.
The choir leads the congregation at these services and other special services, usually
performing an anthem.
6:30 p.m: Evensong (Book of Common Prayer) and Holy Communion on the second Sunday in
each month.
All services are conducted by the incumbent except in holiday times. The Sacristan takes
occasional Evensong services and retired priests are invited to preach at occasional Parish
Communion Services. In its desire to grow the parish, the PCC understands that some variation in
this pattern may be called for.
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Sung choral evensong services are held occasionally in consultation between the Vicar and the
Director of Music and there is an All Souls’ Day service in November. On Remembrance Sunday
there is a special service at 10:45 a.m. when members of the local Royal British Legion and youth
uniformed organisations are present. Services follow at the Memorials in Bray and Holyport with a
further service at the Braywood Memorial in the afternoon.
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is normally administered at a special service on the first Sunday in each month and
when necessary subsequent Sundays.
Assistance
A rota is prepared a few months in advance for Holy Communion, Parish Communion and
Evensong for Readers, Sidespeople, and those preparing and leading Intercessions.
8 a.m: Holy Communion service - 4 members of the congregation are Sidespeople and
take turns to read the Epistle.
10 a.m: Parish Communion Service: The Sacristan is server; 11 members of the congregation
take turns to assist during the Administration of Holy Communion; 16 members
take turns as Sidespeople; 18 members of the congregation take turns to read set
readings from the New Revised Standard Version (Anglicised edition) of the Bible. A
large print copy of the Epistle and Gospel Readings, with the standard introduction,
is placed on the Lectern ready for the Readers. Lay people prepare and read
Intercession prayers. Rotas are prepared by the Church Wardens.
Evensong: Lessons are read by members of the congregation.
Service Statistics
Average attendance at Parish Communion is 60 - 80 and total Sunday attendance about 100. The
age range is mixed, mainly from the older generation, but several young families are represented.
Permission was granted by the Bishop in 2014 to allow children to receive Holy Communion
before confirmation.
Services 2013 2014 2015 2016
Baptisms 39 30 25 37
Thanksgiving for the gift of a child 0 0 0 0
Confirmations 1 6 0 4
Marriages 21 17 14 13
Blessings of Marriage 2 2 0 1
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Funerals of parishioners in church* 25 18 18 18
Funerals of parishioners in 14 14 22 17
crematorium*
Memorial services in church* 3 7 9 6
Burial and interment in Touchen End 2 1 1 3
churchyard*
Burial and interment in Braywood 0 1 1 2
churchyard*
Interment of cremated remains in St. 3 6 19 6
Michael’s churchyard*
* The Lay Funeral Minister takes about half of these services.
For more detailed information go to:-
https://www.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Maidenhead-and-
Windsor_270369_Bray-w-Braywood.pdf
7. CHURCH SCHOOLS
These schools represent an excellent opportunity for the incumbent and laity of St Michael’s to
reach younger families.
The Vicar is a governor at both schools and takes collective worship in these schools each week,
and the schools come to St Michael’s with their families for special Christmas and Easter Services.
Choirs from both schools sing at All-Age Eucharist Services on a regular basis.
Braywood First School
Braywood First School is a Windsor Church of England Controlled school near the village of Fifield
with 147 pupils. The school was judged and Outstanding by OFSTED in 2011 and Outstanding by
SIAMS in 2011 and 2017. Braywood uses as its hall 'Church House' a former church building for
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which it pays an annual rent to the church. There is also a graveyard adjacent to the school which
is maintained by the PCC and the school. The head teacher is Mrs Susan Calvert.
Holyport CE Primary School
Holyport CE Primary School became part of an Academy Trust - the Oxford Diocesan Schools’
Trust (ODST) on 1st June 2016. The school is situated in the village of Holyport with 383 pupils.
The school’s current OFSTED rating is “requires improvement” and the new Headteacher,
(appointed as from September 2016) Mrs Amanda Featherstone, is working with ODST and
governors to prepare for a successful next OFSTED review. The last SIAMS review in 2014 was
rated as good. Diocesan Trustees (Oxford) Ltd owns the site on which the school is built. There is
one ex-officio trustee, namely the Vicar, and two nominated trustees; the Sacristan, who is a
governor of the school, and a churchwarden.
8. OUTREACH
Jesus Hospital
Donnington Hospital Trust assumed responsibility for these almshouses with effect from 31st
March 2010 from the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. The Vicar is Honorary Chaplain to
Jesus Hospital and conducts regular Holy Communion and Evensong (afternoon) services in the
on-site chapel and a Christmas carol service is held in December with the choir of St. Michael’s.
Pastoral Visiting and Ministry to Residential Homes
The recently retired Incumbent has a deserved reputation for the thoroughness of his pastoral
visiting: to the sick, the bereaved, those otherwise in need. He is assisted by a Lay Funeral Minister
(who is also the Sacristan) and one of the current Church wardens who conducts baptism visits
and, with the Vicar, arranges a Pre-marriage course. A monthly prayer and praise service is held at
Holyport Lodge (BUPA Nursing Home) and the Sacristan takes monthly Holy Communion
services at Foxleigh Grove Nursing Home and Meadowbank Residential Home.
Christian Aid
The PCC takes responsibility for supporting Christian Aid in the parish. In 2017, for the first time,
door-to-door collection was replaced with a Christian Aid Coffee Morning in the Church Hall and
donation envelopes in church. The amount raised was £1,500.
Christmas and Easter Cards
Before Christmas and Easter each year a card is prepared by a member of the congregation and
delivered to as many homes in the parish as possible, bringing Christian greetings to the residents,
and providing details of forthcoming Services. Street-by-street packs are left at the back of the
church and are distributed by volunteers from the congregation.
Study Group
A group of lay people run a very successful study group for around 20 members of the
congregation takes place during Lent following the Pilgrim courses. The vicar is actively involved
with the planning of the courses and attends as many as possible. Other courses have been held
during different times of the year and all have been well attended. The intention is to continue and
expand the numbers attending the study groups and courses through outreach. For Lent 2018 we
are studying the Beatitudes, following the call to discipleship from the Bishop of Oxford.
Online Presence
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• 3 years ago, the Incumbent, both Wardens and Sacristan/Lay Funeral Minister attended a 4-day
residential course “Leading Your Church Into Growth”. As a result it was decided (with
people’s permission) to put together a mailing list of everyone who had occasional contact
with our church, including wedding couples and baptism families together with existing regular
members of the congregation. This has resulted in a list of over 200 people who regularly
receive email updates on all activities taking place within St Michael’s such as social events,
special services, concerts etc. and has proved to be a very effective way of communicating with
the wider community.
• The website (http://www.braystmichael.co.uk/) is maintained by a member of the congregation,
and gives a full range of information about the parish. The direct contact link is regularly used
to arrange weddings, baptisms and funerals and to enquire about times of Services and visits to
the church. Much of this work can be taken by the Parish Office once this is in place.
• A member of the congregation has set up a St Michael’s Facebook page which has proved
helpful in sharing information about services and events and displaying photographs.
9. PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS
• PCC: The Parochial Church Council has 15 members from across congregation and meets
bi-monthly in St Michael’s Hall. The standing committee - the incumbent and officers -
meets between those to set the agenda and deal with urgent issues.
• Parish Administration: A dedicated phone line takes voice mails from callers and emails
them to a member of the team for forwarding to the appropriate person.
• Sunday School: Sunday school is held during the 10 a.m. service in St Michael’s Church
Hall and the children come into church before Holy Communion. Numbers have dwindled
somewhat of late, but we have a professional teacher, with helpers on hand, so there is
plenty of opportunity for growth.
• Choir: Music plays an integral part in the worship at St Michael’s. The choir, numbering
around a dozen, leads the congregation at Parish Communion and special services, usually
performing an anthem. They also take part in sacred and other works under the aegis of
Music at Bray. The Director of Music is a professional conductor with a burgeoning
reputation.
• Music at Bray: Music at Bray is a group run by the Director of Music and members of the
choir. It runs monthly Sunday afternoon recitals by young musicians, concerts with
professionals and amateurs at different times of the year, and bi-annually an opera for
children and young people.
• Bellringers: St Michael’s has a peal of eight bells, in a well-kept tower and ringing chamber.
The bells are always rung for Parish Communion and special occasions, and for Evensong
whenever possible.
• Social Committee: Two members of the congregation organise regular coach trips to
cathedrals and other places of interest. This group also helps with refreshments at
occasions such as the Carol Service.
• Friends of St Michael’s: The Friends of St Michael’s is a registered charity which raises
funds to provide additions or renovations to the fabric and equipment of St Michael’s
Church and Church Hall. Funds are raised by annual subscriptions and social events.
• Parish Magazine: St Michael’s News is published 10 times a year, is either delivered by
volunteers or collected in church. The magazine also appears on the St Michael’s website.
It is edited and printed by two member of the congregation and collated by a small team of
volunteers. There is no advertising and a small charge is made.
• Other Volunteer Activity
• A small team of flower arrangers decorate the church each week.
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• Refreshments are served in the hall by a team of volunteers after Parish Communion
on Sundays.
• Cleaning is undertaken on a weekly basis by a team of members of the congregation.
• During the summer a team of ‘church watchers’ take turns to be in church.
• “Summer Teas” are offered in the hall on Sunday afternoons during the summer months
10. FINANCE
Support for Managing Finances
The finance team comprises of a PCC Treasurer, Fees Treasurer and a Giving Secretary. In addition,
there are a number of volunteers who count and bank the collections each week. Annual
accounts are produced on an Income & Expenditure basis and the PCC has appointed an
Independent Examiner.
Sound Finances
St Michael’s has a sound financial record and although action is necessary from time to time to
boost income, the congregation has always been very generous with respect to giving, both
regularly and to major appeals, charities and fund raising. The budget for 2018 includes provision
for the setting up of a Parish Office.
Reserves & Designated Funds
The parish also enjoys the benefit of a number of trust funds administered on our behalf by the
Oxford Diocese, which generate modest incomes.
Stewardship & Planned Giving
There are currently 69 members who support the church financially through the committed giving
scheme, administered by the Giving Secretary, either by standing order or utilizing the pew
envelopes.
Parish Share
The Parish Share of £55,752 for 2016 was paid in full and it is the objective of the PCC that this is
paid as a priority.
Missionary Giving & Charities
Members of the congregation support the Children’s Society Box Scheme and the PCC give an
annual donation to the Church Mission Society for a couple who work with the street children in
Guatemala. Previously, the church fund-raised to support a local children’s hospice and it is
anticipated that it will help fund the new building project for the local hospice.
The Annual Accounts for the year ending December 2016 are available on request.
10Receipts 2016
Planned Giving
Collections & Other Giving
Income Tax Recovered
Fees
School Rent
Fund Raising
Donations
Bank Interest + Dividends
Expenditure 2016
Parish Share
Church Running Expenses
Building Maintenance
Organist & Music
Clergy Expenses
11. Buildings
The Church
The most prominent feature is the 80 foot bell tower that stands over the main entrance and
porch to the south side of the church. As with the rest of the building, the construction material is
clunch (hard chalk) with flint facing.
On opening the large west doors there is a view along the
centre aisle, through the chancel arch and on to the sanctuary
and high altar. Above the altar stands the east window, designed
by G.E.Street.
11Seating is in pews, with capacity for about 350 in the main body of the church. A further 20 can be
accommodated in each of the side chapels. Wheelchair access is good, the chairs being positioned
in the north and south aisles against the pew ends.
The choir stalls, immediately to the east of the chancel arch, can accommodate 30 choristers. The
three manual Peter Collins organ, installed in 2013, is constructed from a combination of new and
refurbished sections.
The sound system consists of lectern microphones with an induction loop for the hard of hearing.
Heating is by a gas boiler supplying a number of large sectional radiators around the church.
This year, 2017, is St Michael’s quinquennial inspection year. The Church has a good relationship
with the visiting architect and it is intended to continue a system of rolling maintenance to a
prioritised plan.
We have just completed the building of a new toilet block adjacent to St Michael’s Hall having
raised £135,000 to do so.
St Michael’s Hall
On the north boundary of the churchyard lies the Chantry Chapel of
our Lady, which now serves as the church hall. The building comprises a
hall, kitchen, meeting room and 2 first floor rooms, one of which serves
as the parish office.
The Vicarage
Access is from the north-east corner of the churchyard and leads via a gravel drive to a large four
bedroom house with a single garage. The detached house provides generous accommodation and
sits in grounds of about two-thirds of an acre with over 180 feet of Thames river frontage.
Refurbished in 2008, it remains in very good condition.
The Churchyard
The churchyard is closed and maintained by the Parish Council. However the wardens accept
responsibility for the upkeep and safety of the memorials where relatives of the deceased are no
longer contactable. The interment of ashes in the churchyard in an area set aside for this purpose
by faculty is in current practice.
12. The Diocese of Oxford
The Diocese of Oxford serves the mission of the Church in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and
Oxfordshire. It is a large and complex Diocese, with more than 600 parishes, over 800 churches,
and a diverse population of more than 2 million people located in all types of settings. The Bishop
of Oxford is the Right Revd Steven Croft who began his ministry in the Diocese in September
2016. There are also three Area Bishops who exercise strategic oversight for their Episcopal areas.
The Episcopal Area of Reading is the same as the Archdeaconry of Berkshire and is made up of 79
benefices in 6 Deaneries, with over 200 churches and nearly 150 licensed clergy. The Bishop of
Reading is the Right Revd Andrew Proud who has been the Area Bishop since April 2011 and the
Venerable Olivia Graham has been Archdeacon of Berkshire since October 2013.
The Berkshire Archdeaconry Plan seeks to encourage and promote the flourishing of a mixed
economy of traditional and new forms of church, and a desire to experiment and be open to the
movement of God’s Spirit as we both imagine and plan for the next 10 years.
12We are at an exciting time in the life of the Diocese as Bishop Steven leads us in the process of
discerning our Diocesan vision for the next few years. He has recently completed a series of day-
long visits to each of the 29 deaneries; he has listened to many individuals and groups around the
Diocese and has been reflecting back what he is hearing. In May there was a three day gathering of
leaders from across the Diocese: Bishop’s staff, Bishop’s Council, Area Deans, Lay Chairs, Diocesan
staff and several others. We expect to see the launch of a new Diocesan vision within the next few
months. Energy is rising as we work together on this and the sense of excitement is almost
tangible. The Diocese of Oxford would be delighted if you were to partner with us in following
God’s call.
13. The Deanery of Maidenhead and Windsor
The Parish of Bray is in the Deanery of Maidenhead and Windsor, one of 6 deaneries in the
Reading episcopal area. Other parishes in the Deanery can be seen at:
http://oxford.anglican.org/who-we-are/reading/deaneries/maidenhead-and-windsor/
The Parish has played an active role in the life of the Deanery under the previous incumbent who
undertook the role of Assistant Area Dean for a period of time, and the current Deanery Treasurer
is from the parish. The parish has developed a reputation for common sense, pragmatism and
reliability, and is one of the key components of the Deanery. The Deanery has recognised for some
years that the parish has an important contribution to make to mission both within its boundaries
and wider.
The Deanery Plan envisages a continued role for the Parish of Bray under the current pastoral
arrangements and there are no plans to make any changes to these.
13APPENDIX 1
ROLE DESCRIPTION
SECTION 1: DETAILS OF POST
Role Title: Vicar of Bray with Braywood
Type of Role: Full time stipendiary
Name of Bray with Braywood
benefice:
Episcopal area: Reading
Deanery: Maidenhead & Windsor
Archdeaconry: Berkshire
Conditions of Please refer to Statements of Particulars document issued in
service: conjunction with this role description
Key contact for Archdeacon of Berkshire
Clergy Terms of This role falls within the Clergy Terms of Service formally known as
Service: Common Tenure. The Archdeacon of Berkshire is the designated
person by the Bishop of Oxford to issue the Statement of
Particulars for the post holder.
Accountability: Priests share with the Bishop in the oversight of the church.
Whilst, as an office holder, the individual is expected to lead and
prioritise work in line with the purpose of the role, they are
encouraged to inform the Archdeacon and Churchwardens about
any issue exceptional or otherwise that have the potential to affect
ongoing delivery of ministry.
SECTION 2: THE WIDER CONTEXT
With the appointment of the new Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, a new common vision is
emerging for the Diocese of Oxford.
The vision addresses what kind of church we are called to be – A Christ-like Church.
What are the marks of a Christ-like Church? To be the Church of the Beatitudes:
• Contemplative
• Compassionate
• Courageous
It also asks what we are therefore called to do together. This is currently a work in progress, but is
likely to cover some of the following strategic priorities:
• Make a difference in the world
• Support and grow the local church
• Establish new churches and congregations
• Serve our schools
• Renew discipleship and ministry
14SECTION 3: ROLE PURPOSE AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
General:
A. To exercise the cure of souls shared with the bishop collaboration with colleagues, including
the praying of the Daily Office, the administration of the sacraments and preaching
B. To have regard to the calling and responsibilities of the clergy (as described in the Canons,
the Ordinal, the Code of Professional Conduct for the Clergy) and other relevant
legislation including:
• bringing the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and making him known to those in
your care.
• instructing the parishioners in the Christian faith
• preparing candidates for baptism and confirmation
• diligently visiting the parishioners of the benefice, particularly those who are sick and infirm
• providing spiritual counsel and advice
• consulting with the Parochial Church Council on matters of general concern and
importance to the benefice
• bringing the needs of the world before God in intercession
• calling your hearers to repentance and declaring in Christ's name the absolution and
forgiveness of their sins
• blessing people in God’s name
• preparing people for their death
• discerning and fostering the gifts of all God’s people
• being faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God’s presence, as he reveals
• his kingdom among us
C. Key Responsibilities specific to the local situation
Mission and Outreach
• Work with us to increase church membership in all age groups.
• Be a convincing advocate for Christianity to everybody, including non-churchgoers.
• Play a visible and active part in the community.
• Develop and foster church links with schools to bring in younger families.
• Get more children involved in all-age services.
• Provide opportunities for other forms of worship in other locations in the parish.
• Use opportunities provided by music to bring more people into church life.
• Ensure welcome for new arrivals is sustained.
• Use suitable courses to attract doubters, agnostics and non-believers.
Leadership and Working Collaboratively
• Further develop the involvement of the congregation in running the church.
• Work with us to develop the role of lay people in the ministry.
• Review, lead and develop the parish’s mission action plan.
Worship and Preaching
15• Help us to develop a wider range of services to attract a wider range of worshippers, whilst
enabling the pace of change to encompass the practices of the current congregation.
• Maintain elements of current practice which are valued by the existing congregation.
• Work with the group running courses and study groups to develop the range available.
Pastoral Care
• Continue to provide the church’s comfort and support to the sick, bereaved and those in
need, and visits to residential homes.
• Recognise and encourage the existing support network provided by lay people.
• Seek opportunities to mix younger and older age groups.
Stewardship and Organisation
• Maintain the parish’s good relationships within the Maidenhead and Windsor deanery.
• Encourage the parish to continue to pay the parish share in full.
• Maintain good relationships with other community organisations.
• Arrange services in other locations in the Parish.
SECTION 4: BENEFICE SUMMARY
Benefice: Bray with Braywood
Patron: Bishop of Oxford
PCC: Bray, 15 members
Churchwardens: Linda Shepherd and Penny Murray
Paid staff: None
Unpaid
staff/volunteers: 5
Churchyards: Bray (closed), Touchen End, Braywood
Church Traditional
tradition:
SECTION 5: KEY CONTACTS FOR THE ROLE
Groups and Committees
The PCC Lesley Burch, PCC Secretary, 01628 629979
lesley.burch@btinternet.com
Deanery Chapter Revd Joan Hicks, Chapter Clerk, 01628 632567
revjrhicks@gmail.com
Deanery Synod John Sykes, Lay Chair, 01628 486874
j.n.sykes@btopenworld.com
Deanery Standing & Pastoral John Sykes, Lay Chair, 01628 486874
Committee j.n.sykes@btopenworld.com
In the Benefice
16Churchwardens Linda Shepherd, 01628 671458,
linda@bfs-international.co.uk
Penny Murray, 01628 623041
pennymurray42@hotmail.com
Ministerial Colleagues Lynda Jones, Lay Funeral Minister, 01628 635178
lyndacjones@btinternet.com
Head Teachers Holyport C of E Primary School:
Amanda Featherstone, 01628 627743
amanda.featherstone@rbwm.org.uk
Braywood C of E First School
Susan Calvert
01628 623660
susan.calvert@rbwm.org.uk
Support Structures
Area Dean Revd Margaret Bird, 01753 315397
margaret.bird@talktalk.net
Area Bishop Rt Revd Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading, 0118 984
1216
bishopreading@oxford.anglican.org
Archdeacon The Venerable Olivia Graham, Archdeacon of
Berkshire,
01635 552820, archdber@oxford.anglican.org
17APPENDIX 2
St Michael’s Church Bray Mission Plan (reviewed and amended every six months)
“Welcoming all in Faith Hope and Love”
Going for Growth
Within three years we would like to see:
• Increased church membership across all age groups with the focus on the 10 a.m. service of Parish
Communion/All age Eucharist
• Growth in provision of courses for people to explore faith/spiritual development
• A range of activities for all and particularly activities which challenge young people
Mission Priority: Nurture & Discipleship Children and Young People Pastoral Care
Courses Lead: Penny Murray Lead: Linda Shepherd & Lynda
Lead: Jim Tucker Jones
Within three years • A team of people • Increase number of young • Regular contact with all
we would like to involved in working people involved in music of mailing list contacts and
see... on this area the church. Use the planned extending communication as
• Identify and train opera to have children from and when possible.
people to lead our church schools involved. • Range of activities for all age
courses Children’s choir for All Age groups e.g. jumble sales,
• Advertise outside services. An idea to speak coffee mornings, etc.
the church with Ollie Gooch about as
• Improve the spin off from opera.
‘facilities’
What do we want • Advent Course in • More children at the All Age • Regular newsletter to mailing
to achieve in one 2016 service on the first Sunday of list advising of special
year?
• Lent course 2017 each month. services, church notices,
• Start and completion • Continue to invite choirs social committee outings,
from Holyport and Music at Bray concerts, Lent
of new toilets
Braywood schools to sing at and other courses
All Age Services. Holyport • Jumble Sale 2017
have expressed a • Back to Church Sunday date
commitment to one Sunday tbc
each term
• Summer Teas in 2017
• Speak to Natasha Teeder for
• Mission Prayer regularly used
a push at term start for All
at services especially
age service and Sunday
Intercessions
School children.
• A come and sing afternoon
• Continue to give Welcome
cards to new attendees and
in Holyport School open to
encourage use of these
parent/grandparent and child.
amongst sides people and
An idea to discuss with Ollie
summer church watch group)
Gooch. An event to include
church schools and other
schools in the Parish.
Immediate Actions Appeal letter to • Contact and invitations to • Newsletter updating about
parishioners to parents of children baptised Mission Plan etc.
contribute financially to recently for All Age services. • Continue email invitations to
the toilet project.
• Cards with details of all age mailing list to special services,
Construction and
services to be given to e.g. Harvest, Christmas,
completion of new
Toddler groups, Cubs, Easter, Candlemas, All Souls.
toilet block in 2017.
Rainbows and Brownies in • Christmas and Easter cards.
Holyport. Also to both
• Facebook page updates on
Church schools in the Parish.
church activities.
Repeat this at term start.
Going for Growth Once new toilets Continue to seek ways to involve
Actions achieved consider new members of the congregation e.g.
opportunities for use of baptism services, welcome
hall. course, help at special events,
summer teas.
18APPENDIX 3 (Map of the Parish)
19You can also read
