The Parish of Frindsbury with
Upnor and Chattenden
Parish Profile
Parish Profile – Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden
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CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Mission and Vision 4
Description of the Parish and Surrounding Area 5
Person Specification 6
The Team 7
Information and Statistics 8
Outreach 9
The Buildings 10
The Diocese and Deanery 11
Finances 11
Useful Links 13
Parish Profile – Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our Parish Profile. We are delighted you are interested
in this exciting ministry. We feel we have strengths to offer the new
vicar, but warmly welcome someone keen to move us forward; full of
ideas, energy and vision for reaching out to our community and
congregation.
We are an open and tolerant church aiming to welcome all who will
step over our threshold, while seeking to reach those who find this
too hard to do, finding other ways for them to meet Jesus.
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MISSION AND VISION
VISION
Our current Vision, that we hope our new vicar will influence, is:
To experience God’s presence
loving as the Father loves
serving as the Son serves
living by the guiding power of the Holy Spirit
and bringing others into the liberating freedom of the kingdom of God
CHALLENGES AND STRENGTHS
Our current challenges include:
• Reaching out to our local community and growing our church membership
• Developing our mission to children and young people
Our current strengths include:
• A welcoming congregation
• Different patterns of worship and music
• Our strong team of men and women including
o A woman priested pioneer curate, and a priested curate shared
with two other parishes
o A parish administrator
o 2 Readers , 3 Evangelists, a pastoral assistant and
bereavement team, and an engaged PCC and churchwardens
o Many others who contribute
• Our outreach supported by this team includes
o A Drop-In Café
o Presence at local boot fair
o Kids’ church and Sunday@4 at Chattenden
o Baptism and marriage preparation and links with schools
o A series of events: Cre8tive Easter, Christmas Fair etc.
• Three well-equipped churches and a parish hall
• OUR AIMS FOR 2015-16
• Reach out to Youth and the 20s to 40s
• Develop our outreach in Chattenden, building on Kids’ church and Sunday @4
• Build on our outreach to new housing
• Create new communication links within our parish
• Re-establish men’s fellowship
• Refresh our 4th
Sunday worship to be more contemporary
Parish Profile – Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH AND AREA
The parish (population 10,800) is on the outskirts of Strood
(between the Thames and Medway estuaries), and forms
part of Medway council (population 270,000). The main
church of All Saints has breath-taking views of the river
Medway, Rochester Cathedral and the surrounding area.
All Saints Frindsbury draws its congregation from Frindsbury
and Wainscott, which are predominantly residential
neighbourhoods. There has been growth of housing in the
last 15 years. St. Philip and St James is in Upnor village which is mostly residential with a
castle, pubs, sailing, and sports clubs. Bishop Gundulph church at Chattenden, is in an ex-
military area where plans to develop 5,000 new homes are under consideration.
OUR MAKE-UP
45% of residents are between 30 and 59; while our typical congregations have a higher
proportion of older people. There has been a reduction in the number of young people
involved in church life, and this is a key group of people we wish to welcome back.
There has been slight growth in the number of ethnic minority groups represented in the
parish and congregations, which together total 8% of the local population. There are few
people in the parish who do not speak English well.
The parish is mixed in economic terms, with some affluent areas, but when taken as a whole
the parish falls in the lower half of deprived areas. People with no formal qualifications are
similar to the national average, but those with a degree or higher are fewer. 75% of homes
are owner-occupied, 11% privately rented and 14% social rented.
TRANSPORT AND EDUCATION
Access to London and elsewhere is excellent. Strood station is in walking distance; trains to
St. Pancras via High Speed take 34 minutes. The M25 can be reached in 15 minutes as can
Ebbsfleet International Station, giving links to the continent. Dover is an hour’s drive away.
The stunningly beautiful Kent countryside is within easy reach, including the North Downs.
There is a wide range of good primary and secondary schools. In terms of secondary schools
Medway operates a selective system, and there are single-sex and mixed grammar schools,
a variety of high schools and some comprehensive options. The Universities at Medway
campus (Kent, Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church universities) is close by, as is the
newly built Mid-Kent College, offering further education. There are five primary schools
within the parish. (See Useful Information for website links)
SHOPS AND LEISURE
The parish is well-served. In addition to high streets in Strood and Chatham, the major retail
and entertainment complex at Bluewater is approximately 15 minutes’ drive away. A
cinema, retail outlet centre and variety of inexpensive restaurants lie close to the
Universities’ campus. The historic town of Rochester, a significant tourist attraction and site
of regular festivals, with further quality restaurants is two miles away. There are high-quality
municipal and private golf courses, and other sports facilities, close by.
A map showing parish boundaries can be found here:-
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http://www.achurchnearyou.com/parishfinder.php?frindsbury
3. Person Specification
We are looking for a man or woman:
• Who has a heart and energy for mission; able to reach, encourage and enable those
who have not yet started their journey, as well as those who did so a long time ago
• Who is able to demonstrate strategic thinking and planning and lead the church
forward in worship and mission
• Who is a good team leader, harnessing the gifts of paid and unpaid workers
• Who is confident in their personal relationship with God
• Whose biblically based preaching has sound application to the world, that challenges
our thinking;
• Who has strong pastoral skills, and working with others, can relate to people of all
backgrounds
• Who has strong and effective communication skills, particularly with younger people
• Who is comfortable with a wide range of worship styles
• Who leads by example
In return we can offer:
• A welcoming fellowship with diverse gifts, open to change and ready to move
forward
• A supportive and gifted staff team and parochial church council
• A strong culture of lay ministry
• An ecumenical support group from within the local area churches
• Proximity to the Cathedral and Diocesan office
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THE TEAM
The Staff Team comprises the Vicar, Pioneer Curate, two Churchwardens, two Readers, a
Pastoral Assistant, three Evangelists and two parishioners who have permission to lead and
preach within the parish. The Staff Team meets bi-monthly for planning and support, and
from time to time for social events. We are mutually accountable.
PIONEER AND SHARED CURATES
Pioneer Curate
Over the last three years the Parish has had the benefit of a woman Pioneer Curate. This
post covers the whole of the Strood Deanery and centres on outreach work. This is a unique
position within the diocese. She will continue for at least another year.
Strood Cluster Curate
The three churches that cover Strood (All Saints, St. Nicholas and St. Francis) are developing
a cluster that enables mission and ministry to be shaped more effectively. They share a man
priested curate.
ADMINISTRATOR AND LAY MINISTERS
The Parish Administrator works Tuesday to Friday mornings based in the parish office.
Two Readers assist with preaching, teaching and leading worship. There are two additional
members of the congregation who have permission to lead and preach within the parish.
The Pastoral Assistant leads the Team who visit the sick and elderly, offer bereavement
support, take home communion visits and have regular contact with residential homes.
The three Evangelists work together on projects with the Mission and Outreach Team.
Parish Church Council (PCC)
The PCC draws members from all three churches. There are a number of working groups
including Finance and Stewardship; Mission; and Buildings and Churchyard.
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INFORMATION AND STATISTICS
Worship and Music
A range of worship styles take place across the three churches. Themes for these are taken
from the lectionary, or a sermon series decided by the vicar. Music fits the style of service
and is provided by a range of musicians, including organists, singers and bands.
Sunday Services
Other Services
In addition there are occasional services such as an
annual service for the bereaved, Easter sunrise service
followed by breakfast, carol services etc.
Electoral Roll 166
Funerals 7 church 36 crematorium
Weddings 8
Baptisms 21
Confirmations 3
Easter Attendance 222
Christmas Attendance 492
Average Sunday Attendance 105 adults 12 children
Church 1st
Sunday 2nd
3rd
4th
5th
All Saints
8:00 am Holy Communion BCP - average congregation 16 people
St Philip &
St James
9:00 am
Holy communion or Morning Worship. Average congregation 18
All Saints
10:30am
Average
congregati
on-70
Holy
Communion
(CW)
Organ music
All Age Worship
Music by a band
Holy
Communion
(CW)
Organ music
4th
Sunday
Worship
(informal style)
Music by a band
Holy
Communion
(CW)
Organ music
Parish Profile – Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden
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DISCIPLESHIP
Home Groups
Six home groups meet fortnightly for fellowship and bible study led by members of the
congregation or staff team
OUTREACH
The following sets out a selection of our outreach activities
Meeting Point Drop in Café
The Drop in Café is open on a Wednesday morning in the Parish Hall and provides a place
for people to meet and have a chat over coffee and cake, soup or bacon roll.
Baptism Preparation
Baptisms take place during All Age or Fourth Sunday. The Baptism Preparation Team invites
parents and Godparents to an evening of preparation.
Marriage Preparation
The Marriage Preparation Team meets with couples to be married for 5 sessions of
preparation using the HTB Marriage Preparation Course.
Kids’ Church Chattenden
Kids’ Church is held on Saturday morning at Bishop Gundulph church in
Chattenden. 25 children aged between 5 and 11, together with some teenage
helpers, learn about God in a lively and interactive style.
Sunday@4
This is a relaxed service for families and consists of a number of ways to
engage those not wanting a traditional service or used to church.
Boot Fair
A boot fair is held on Sundays during the summer. For two years a group from
All Saints have run a stall there.
.
Cre8ive
Cre8ive takes place on
Good Friday and
occasional other
times. It is a chance for families to come and be creative
together whilst learning about the true meaning of
Easter.
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THE CHURCH BUILDINGS
All Saints Parish Church – a building dating from Saxon
times capable of holding 200 seated worshippers. It
has a new toilet and kitchen area and improved west
entrance. A high quality electronic organ has been
installed. There is a bell tower housing eight restored
bells which are rung every Sunday. The Church is in
good repair. There is easy yet secure access to the
Vicarage from the Churchyard
St Philip and St James, Upnor – this is a small, picturesque mid-Victorian church in good
condition. It has an electronic organ, PA system, toilet and
movable tea/coffee bar. A small area of graveyard
surrounds the Church.
Bishop Gundulph Church, Chattenden – until 1998 this was
the Garrison Church of the Royal Engineers. It was gifted to
Rochester Diocese, and the parish became partly
responsible. Built in the 1960’s it has fixed pews, a small
hall, two toilets, two small rooms and an organ.
Parish Hall
The Parish Hall was rebuilt in 1993. It includes a large well-
equipped hall (including kitchen) which can hold up to 140
people seated. The Upper Room is suitable for smaller
meetings. The Parish Office is located at the hall and is the
base for the Parish Administrator.
Vicarage
The vicar is able to live in a good sized 1950’s built
vicarage close to All Saints. It has gas fired central
heating (new boiler fitted January 2014) and double
glazing. It comprises two reception rooms, a study, a
well fitted kitchen and utility room, downstairs
cloakroom, 6 bedrooms (3 doubles and 3 singles) and a
large family bathroom. There is an integral garage and
driveway with parking for several cars. The Vicarage is
surrounded by gardens, with pedestrian access through the graveyard to All Saints Church.
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THE DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER, AND STROOD DEANERY
The Diocese of Rochester is served by two Bishops, the Rt. Rev. James Langstaff, Bishop of
Rochester and the Suffragan Bishop of Tonbridge the Rt. Rev. Dr Brian Castle. Rochester
Diocese is split into three Archdeaconries. Bromley & Bexley, Rochester and Tonbridge and
the parish is within the Rochester archdeacontry. The Diocesan office is situated 2 miles
from Frindsbury, within the Cathedral Precinct, and provides advice, support and training to
Clergy and laity.
The Archdeaconry of Rochester stretches from Dartford to Medway, encompassing the area
north of the A2 and some of the area south of it. A large part of the long planned Thames
Gateway development will happen in this region and there are important challenges in
shaping the Church of England’s historic commitment to the people as new communities
emerge.
Strood Deanery is the largest deanery within the Diocese, and includes parishes from Cuxton
and Halling in the south, to the Hoo peninsula and Isle of Grain in the North. The Strood
Clergy have regular contact with ecumenical colleagues and there is a mutual support
group.
PARISH FINANCES
OUTTURN FOR 2013
ITEM
ACTUAL FOR 2013
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary Income £88,150
Activities for Generating Funds £ 2,537
Income from Investments £ 3,172
Income from activities £ 28,254
Other Incoming Resources £ 1,500
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES £123,613
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Church Activities £106,861
Generation of Voluntary Income £ 664
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED £107,525
Net Incoming Resources before other Recognised gains and losses
£ 16,088
Revaluation £ 250
Gains on Investment Assets £ 6,008
SURPLUS £ 22,346
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BUDGET FOR 2014
ITEM
BUDGET FOR 2014
INCOME
Planned Giving (not Gift Aided) £ 778
Planned Giving (Gift Aided) £ 40,448
Tax Refund (Gift Aid) £ 10,112
Give As You Earn £ 4,000
Collections £ 7,003
Fees Receivable £ 15,736
Investment Income £ 2,473
Magazine Income £ 1,408
Other Income, fund raising £ 2,177
Other Income, Donations, Appeals £ 3,632
Other Parish Income £ 1,067
Other Income, Parish Hall £ 13,725
TOTAL INCOME £102,558
EXPENDITURE
Clergy Expenses £ 17,752
Parish Share £ 21,200
Church Running Costs £ 13,441
Parish Administration Support Costs £ 3,331
Parish Administrator £ 6,987
Service Expenses £ 1,500
Outreach, Mission £ 880
Outreach Emmaus £ 816
Youth Work £ 915
Training £ 250
Communications, (Magazine etc) £ 1,100
Pastoral Care £ 244
Repairs & Maintenance £ 4,000
Churchyards £ 4,310
Charitable Giving £ 844
Church Hall Costs £ 13,725
TOTAL EXPENDITURE £ 91,295
BUDGETTED SURPLUS FOR 2014 £ 11,264
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8. Useful Links
Parish website
http://www.allsaintsfrindsbury.co.uk/
Rochester Diocese
http://www.rochester.anglican.org/
Medway Local Authority
http://www.medway.gov.uk/
Schools in the Parish:-
Chattenden Primary School
http://www.chattenden.medway.sch.uk/
English Martyrs Catholic Primary School
http://www.thelifecloud.net/schools/EnglishMartyrsCatholicPrimarySchool
Hilltop Primary School
http://www.hilltop.medway.sch.uk/
Temple Mill Primary School
http://www.templemillprimary.co.uk/
Wainscott Primary School
http://www.school-portal.co.uk/Grouphomepage.asp?GroupId=382817