The Parish of Mold

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin Mold

and the Church of St. James New Brighton

in the Diocese of St Asaph

Father, we thank you that you have called us as members of your Church in the

Parish of Mold. Deepen our love for you, lead us into new ways of service to

others, and grant by the guidance of your Spirit, we may know what things we

ought to do and by your grace have courage to fulfil them. Amen

Application Pack June 2015

A Profile of the Diocese of St Asaph

The Diocese of St Asaph is a diverse and hopeful community of faith. With roots in the Celtic church and a wealth of character and tradition, we seek to continue to uncover our shared vocation as God’s people in the Church in Wales in the north east of the Province. We are a Diocese in good heart and seek to persist in responding joyfully to God’s challenge.

The Diocese follows the English/Welsh border in the east, whilst the western edge is delineated by the Conwy Valley. The northern boundary runs along the North Wales coast as far as Llandudno, but only takes in part of that town. The southern boundary runs from the

lower end of Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala) across to Dolfor, just south of Newtown in Powys. Ecclesiastically it is bordered by the Dioceses of Chester, Lichfield and Hereford on the northern and eastern sides. To the south we border Swansea and Brecon Diocese and to the west, Bangor.

The Diocese is predominantly rural, with many parishes having populations of less than 1000. However, there are important and continually developing industrial and commercial areas around Deeside (one of the largest industrial parks in Europe) and Wrexham and significant smaller developments along the two main arterial roads (A55 and A483).

The coastal strip is home to traditional holiday resorts and tourism is an important industry in many parts of the Diocese.

The largest employers are the local authorities through education and the health services with two large general district hospitals at Bodelwyddan and Wrexham. Wrexham hosts a refugee and asylum seekers support centre (supported by the Diocese), while migrant worker groups in the region (largely white EU) are involved in both industry and agriculture. A significant number of care workers come from the far-east. Together with many of the rural areas in the UK, the agriculture sector within the Diocese has endured many shocks and changes, including the foot and mouth crisis, the changing structures of agricultural support from the EU, increasing fuel costs and the unfolding impact of global warming. Welshpool and St Asaph have two of the largest livestock markets in Europe.

The Diocese has 51 Church Schools, nearly a third of the total Church in Wales schools, and these are spread across 6 local authorities. St Joseph’s Anglican and Catholic High School in Wrexham is the only shared faith school in Wales and all our schools are an important way of providing mission and ministry to the young people of Wales.

The Church in Wales Review

The Bishops commissioned a team of advisers in 2011 to conduct a root-and-branch review of

the Church in Wales. The three members of the team were:

Lord Richard Harries, the former Bishop of Oxford, who chaired the group;

Professor Charles Handy, former professor at the London Business School;

Professor Patricia Peattie, former Chair of the Episcopal Church in Scotland’s Standing

Committee.

Your say

The Review Group travelled to every Diocese in Wales and met more than 1,000 people in

public meetings to find out what changes they wanted to see. They also invited people to

write to them with ideas for shaping the Church of the future.

At the open meetings people were asked what aspect of both their Diocese and the Church

they felt most positive about and what changes they would like to see to make its ministry

more effective. They were also asked how they would address challenges such as the

predicted fall in clergy numbers and financial resources.

Findings

The Review was published in summer 2012 with 50 recommendations. At its heart was

transformed ministry. To help arrange the recommendations in a way that is manageable and

understandable for the Church, an Implementation Group has focussed initially on what it

sees as the core vision of the Report and the recommendations that are designed primarily to

achieve that vision:

The formation of Ministry or Mission Areas across the Church in Wales.

The provision of ministry via Ministry Teams, incorporating lay and ordained ministers

working to a collaborative model

An integrated programme of training for ministry for laity and ordained minsters

intended to develop leadership skills and collaborative working practices.

“The Review Team found the Church in Wales to be very warm and welcoming and there are

many good things happening. But in order to serve the people of Wales effectively,

particularly its young people, we believe some radical re-thinking is necessary.”

Lord Harries Chair of the Review Group

“This is our review as a Church – we asked for it and we contributed to it. The report is our

framework, not our blueprint. Its vision is transformed ministry and that is what we need to

focus on. It’s an exciting time for us and one which offers great opportunities for the Church

to thrive.”

Helen Biggin, Chair of the 2020 Vision Implementation Group

You can read the Church in Wales Review in its entirety online at

www.churchinwales.org.uk/review

Engaging with 2020 Vision

Why do things need to change? 2020 Vision’s proposals are pretty radical so this is the first

question anyone will ask when they hear about this new initiative for our churches.

The simple answer is this: it’s not sustainable for the Church in Wales to continue operating in

the way it is at the moment. Congregations are declining, clergy are retiring and the numbers

of people training for ordination will not fill the gap. Something needs to change.

We are still using the parish model in the same way we did in 1920 when the Church was

disestablished. Without change the Church in Wales will continue to decline as it heads

towards its centenary in 2020.

The Church in Wales Review was published in 2012 and made the case for change clear. It

talked about the need for change being “urgent” – particularly in the way our churches are

set up.

The Review proposes a move away from the parish model of ministry towards a new model of

church. Ministry Areas – or Mission Areas as we are calling them in St Asaph – will see

churches partnering together with a shared leadership team to make them more sustainable

for the future and prepare them for growth. The Review also calls for more training for

ministers – ordained and lay – to help make this model of ministry a reality.

So we have to change if we want to see our churches flourish. We have to be willing to do

things differently if we want the Church in Wales to have a viable future – particularly with

reference to families and the younger generation.

The Review points out that the number of young people engaged with Church life is

“miniscule” and adds: “This situation cannot be addressed as the church is organised now.”

It’s time to move forward.

Esgobaeth Llanelwy: the Diocese of St Asaph

Golwg 2020 Vision

Why? The Bench of Bishops and the Governing Body asked for the Church in Wales Review to find out if our leadership, structures and resources are ready to take God’s mission forward in Wales, as we approach our 100th birthday. 2020 Vision looks at the challenges and recommendations which the Review gave us.

What? 2020 Vision says that “We are stronger together” and suggests we form Mission Areas – partnerships between congregations, clergy and lay ministers – to unlock our potential as the people of God answering His call in today’s Wales.

When? Now. We don’t have to wait for someone else to give us permission to start building relationships and partnerships in worship, witness and mission. God’s call is for now.

Who? Everyone. All the baptised are commissioned as disciples and witnesses of Jesus. 2020 Vision wants to see us renew and invigorate our churches. You can take the initiative, and our vicars, area deans and archdeacons are there to enable you to move forward.

Where? Every church is in a local area of community and mission with other churches. It might be your deanery but some deaneries are too big or no longer reflect the population of our communities so we might look at new boundaries. We are God’s family and we want to partner with each other so we are strengthened to travel together in fellowship.

How? You are the Church, and you will have the ideas. What can you share to help God’s mission where you live and worship? What can you stop doing to help free you up to serve in new ways? How can you partner with brothers and sisters in other churches to tackle things which may seem too great to tackle as a single congregation?

2020 Vision offers us three points of focus for our mission:

Serving community, inspiring people, transforming Church

THE MISSION AREA OF MOLD

The Parish of Mold is part of Mold Mission Area, one of the first three Deaneries to be formally

commissioned to work as a Mission Area in line with the Church in Wales Review Group Report of

2012 and the ‘2020 Vision’ strategy arising from the Review. The Mission Area leadership is in the

early stages of building a team of people living in Mold and the surrounding villages who are

embracing new ways of working together to bring the gospel alive in our communities. The clergy

Chapter and the wider Mission Area Leadership group look forward to being joined by a new partner

in this enterprise.

The Mission Area Executive Group comprising Clergy, Lay Readers, and Lay Representatives appointed

by the Deanery/Mission Area Conference have already undertaken work in identifying which mission

and ministry priorities are likely to best be furthered by Mission Area wide working. This is seen as a

key part of the on-going process of growing from existing parish bases towards a more collaborative

and shared ministry, within the Mission Area.

The Mold Mission Area includes the market town of Mold and the surrounding rural villages, many of

which are within the Clwydian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town of Mold has the

area’s secondary schools, significant supermarkets, and a community hospital. Coleg Cambria has a

base in Northop, which includes its specialist horticultural studies facility. Most of the villages are

served locally by primary schools and some have local shops. As well as light industry, local

government and other activity in Mold town, employment is mainly focussed around farming, tourism

and quarrying, with many people of working age commuting to Chester, Deeside or other nearby

parts of North West England. There is a significant retired population many of whom have settled in

the area from nearby North West England.

The clergy chapter has 3.25 stipendiary clergy – the incumbent of Mold (1.0), the ‘Bro Famau’ Group

of five rural parishes (the incumbent also being Mission Area Leader) (1.0), the parishes of

Pontblyddyn, Nercwys and Treuddyn (0.75), and the parish of Northop (0.5) where the incumbent is

also 0.5 Diocesan Director of Exploring Faith. At present there is also a curate in training within Mold

parish.

In keeping with the principles of 2020 Vision the Executive Group is actively exploring the way in

which particular giftings and interests can be shared throughout the Mission Area and how particular

aspects of ministry and mission can be championed, nurtured, encouraged and grown. With this in

mind the Mission Area Leadership Group would welcome a new colleague who is able to offer

particular strengths in one or more aspect. The particular aspect or aspects are open to discussion but

the Group is hopeful that a new incumbent in Mold would be able to offer to enhance its overall

strengths in one or more of the following areas

Evangelism and Mission - possibly schools and young people focussed

Developing pastoral skills

Liturgy, Worship, and Music

The Mission Area Leader Revd Canon Adrian Copping welcomes any informal

discussions about life in the Mission Area, 01352 810936, adriancopping@hotmail.com

The Priest we seek…

We are a welcoming, inclusive church in the Anglican Province of the Church in Wales. We aim for the

highest standards in Liturgy and Music because we believe that we should give of our best in God’s

service. We aim to be a church for everyone and to serve our local community.

In Leadership and Communication we would expect the Priest:

To lead by example

To be a sensitive spiritual leader with vision and people management skills

To give support in taking forward discussions concerning the possible re-ordering of

the church

To be willing to work collaboratively with teams of lay and ordained colleagues in

parish and mission area

Would find it easy and natural to communicate with people of all ages and abilities,

including those in the wider community who are not regular worshippers

In Ministry and Worship we seek a Priest:

Who values the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the Church and is willing to

recognise and maintain our existing traditions and patterns of worship whist helping us

to innovate and explore a greater breadth of worship

Who is prayerful and has experience in being creative with the use of liturgy and

preaching

Who will encourage and build upon the music tradition that has been re-established

Who will demonstrate, an inclusive approach, to all age groups

Who will work with us, to develop and expand, our strategy for pastoral visiting

Who is encouraging and will develop the talents of the congregation

Who will support and encourage our spiritual growth

Who seeks to increase the involvement of younger people in the life of the church

Who will be sensitive to the Welsh language and culture

In Growth and Outreach we would wish for a Priest to:

Recognise, support and strengthen the initiatives already in place

Commit to reaching families and young people in the parish and foster a care and

concern for older people and the value of the gifts they bring

Maintain and develop our links with local schools, youth organisations and the wider

community

Develop and implement a vision and strategy for growth.

Future Direction we wish our Priest to join us on:

Our Parish has been through a period of positive change during the last 3 years that has seen

growth within the churches, becoming more spiritual, welcoming and inspirational; we wish to

build on this

Reordering of St Mary's church. It is envisaged that these changes will be a means to embrace

and encourage future use by the wider community and engagement with different local

groups

Continue working with community groups, youth groups, schools, the community hospital,

nursing and residential homes

As part of a newly formed Mission area, Mold is at the centre of the surrounding areas locally

referred to as the “hilly bits”. Within the church we refer to the 2020 Vision as an important

driving force to become a faith sharing and faith seeking community

We believe that there is great potential to work towards these goals and we seek someone

who has the inspiration and energy to work with us to achieve our aims

References: http://stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/2020-vision/2020-vision-sunday/

http://churchinwales.org.uk/review/

About the Parish

Mold is a busy market town in North East Wales with a population of 10,058 (2011 Census) and is a

shopping and services hub for surrounding villages for a population of approximately 55,000 people.

Mold is the administrative seat of Flintshire County Council. It is centrally situated approximately 11

miles from Chester, Wrexham and Ruthin, with close road links, within 4 miles of the A55 North Wales

Expressway and has good access to the M53, M56 and M6 motorways. Liverpool Airport is but a 45

minute drive away and Manchester Airport can be reached in less than one hour.

The Parish includes the village of New Brighton, which is approximately two miles to the North East of

Mold, parts of the villages of Sychdyn (Soughton) and Gwernymynydd. St James' Church is located in

New Brighton and there is a Primary School within the parish boundary at Gwernymynydd.

In Mold there are two High Schools, Ysgol Alun (English medium) which is the largest High School in

Flintshire and Ysgol Maes Garmon (Welsh medium). There are five Primary Schools, Ysgol Bryn Coch,

which is one of the largest in Wales with over 650 pupils, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, Ysgol Glanrafon (Welsh

medium), Ysgol Gwernymynydd, and St David's RC School.

There is a Community Hospital, several general practice and dental surgeries, a residential home, a

nursing home, an extra care facility and a mental health secure unit close by.

The Administrative Offices of Flintshire County Council together with the County Library, Crown Court,

Registrar's Office and the nationally known Clwyd Theatr Cymru Complex are situated a short way to

the North of the town centre.

There is a broad mix of housing types ranging from flats, apartments and older terrace housing to

semi-detached and larger detached properties. In recent years a number of new residential

developments have taken place within the parish. It boasts a wide range of small shops,

supermarkets, banks and travel agents as well as numerous public houses, eating places and coffee

shops. There is a lively and well supported street market every Wednesday and Saturday and a

regular cattle market.

Mold Town Council is headed by its Mayor and lies within the Parliamentary Constituency of Delyn.

The town council is very supportive of the local Churches and has allowed us to use an empty shop

front to display the Nativity and hold an open air carol concert in the town square.

About the Church

The church and its people:

There are currently 125 on the Electoral Roll and we consider the people at St Mary's and at St James'

to be friendly, adaptable and welcoming. We are open to change which enhances the life of the

worshipping congregation and that congregation's links with the community, whilst, at the same time,

recognising that change is a difficult process for some.

In Mold we consider the centrality of the Eucharist to be paramount

In St Mary's

Sunday 8am Eucharist (said)

11am Choral Eucharist

5.30pm Evening Prayer (worship leader lead)

Wednesday 11am Eucharist (said)

Morning and Evening Prayer is said each week day at 8am and 5.00 pm

Eucharist is celebrated on all the Principal Saints' days.

In St. James’

Sunday 9.30am Eucharist (said)

Tuesday 6.30pm Eucharist (said) on first and third Tuesdays of the month

St Mary’s Church is popular for baptisms, weddings and funerals, the majority though, for non-regular

church-attending families but are greatly welcomed.

In 2014 there were: 49 baptisms,

17 weddings,

38 funerals in church

30 at the two local crematoria

2 confirmations

The existing Parish team Priests:

There is currently an Assistant Curate in training in the Parish who is able to provide continuity and

support during the interregnum. There are a number of retired priests who live in Mold and who

provide valuable support. The Mission Area clergy operate a collaborative approach to ministry across

the whole area.

Ordinand:

The Church acknowledges the gifts of its members in ministry in many ways. There is one member

who has been accepted to train for ministry and is currently studying at University.

Reader:

Our reader is currently undertaking further theological training at University in Wrexham. She takes

some non-Eucharistic services and regularly preaches. She also supports the Pastoral team and

serving team with her extensive experience.

Pastoral Team:

Our Pastoral team currently consists of Curate, Reader and four lay members. They visit the

housebound and sick. The team supports the Priests to administer the Sacraments during Eucharistic

services in the local residential and nursing homes on a monthly basis. One pastoral assistant

supports baptisms and another shares confirmation classes and gives support to new candidates.

Serving team:

Our serving team comprises of five lay members who support the Eucharist services held in St. Mary’s

Church and two in St. James’s. We have a number of commissioned Eucharist ministers.

Worship leaders, Readers and Intercessors:

We are fortunate that we have a large number of lay members who have found a ministry within a

range of roles. They are able to support the Priests to deliver a diversity of services

Organists, Choir Director and Choir:

St. Mary’s has a long musical tradition which is currently supported by our organists. We have a

talented children’s group which joins with our well established adult choir for all sung services. The

singing is of a very high standard. The choir also sings for weddings and have held a number of well

attended concerts. We are fortunate to have three regular organists and three visiting organists, all

of whom are highly regarded and a joy to listen to, bringing out the very best of our newly restored

Rushworth and Dreaper organ.

Sunday Club Volunteers:

Our Sunday Club runs each Sunday during our Eucharist service. It is supported by several school

teachers, class room assistants and volunteers. The theme for each Sunday reflects the gospel

reading for that day. It is well supported with regular attenders. We hold an Easter club during Holy

week following the Passion story of our Lord. This Easter it was supported by our Ordinand which was

greatly enjoyed by a very large number of children, parents and grandparents along with a few

members of the congregation who joined us to see what all the fun was about.

Bellringers:

Our band of campanologists enjoys the challenge of the 8 bell ring in St. Mary’s. They practice weekly

and ring for Eucharist services, significant local and national occasions and weddings as required. The

last year has heard a number of joyful quarter peals and sadly five Tailors (Tellers) marking the passing

of a member of our church family.

Parish groups

Mothers' Union:

We are a happy, friendly church based group, who meet monthly in St. James; church hall. We have

an interesting programme, with speakers on all aspects of our worldwide organisation. We are

involved in all areas of our church life and are supportive of all events in both prayer and action.

Bible Reading Fellowship:

Supported by one of our retired priests who lives in Mold, this group meets monthly and deepens our

understanding of the Scriptures.

Churchmen’s Breakfast:

This group meets monthly to share a late breakfast and fellowship, enjoying a membership of 10 – 12

men.

Prayer Groups:

We have a number of home based prayer groups throughout the parish which meet regularly and are

well supported.

Mold Church Historical Society:

Meeting monthly, this well attended group invite a diversity of speakers and frequently make visits to

many Cathedrals, Abbeys and Stately Houses.

Flower Guild

Members of our guild ensure the beauty of our church is

enhanced by fabulous flower arrangements. Their skills

culminate in spectacular displays for Easter, Christmas and

Harvest. In previous years we have hosted a Flower

exhibition, showcasing the wonderful God given talents

granted to them

The church and community

Virgin Art Exhibition

Each year a Committee of Church Members organises the Virgin Art Exhibition and sale of work by

local artists, attracting about 1000 visitors during the week it is open. During this week we provide

refreshments and an opportunity for prayerful space for our visitors.

Local schools

There are very close links between the church and most of the local schools. Both High Schools come

to the church at Christmas time for their Carol Services and the largest of the Primary Schools comes

at Harvest time and Christmas for its Nativity presentation. On most of these occasions there can be

as many as 500 present. The County Council Schools Music Service comes once or twice in the year

and enjoys the excellent acoustics St. Mary’s offers.

In December 2014 we estimate that at least 4000 people passed through the doors

St. Mary’s as a concert space and civic venue

We are also pleased to welcome Mold and District

Choral Society for their annual Christmas Concert.

Many local charities, Male voice choirs, Orchestras and

other music societies are welcomed guests who wish to

make use of the building as a venue for concerts St

Mary's also fulfils an important role in the town as a

venue for Civic Services such as Remembrance Sunday

and for the County Scouts Association, St George's Day

Service. On these occasions the church is filled to

capacity.

Cytûn

Parish representatives attend Cytûn meetings (ecumenical organisation of churches together in

Wales), ensuring our continued commitment to the community of Churches in Mold by promoting

understanding and cooperation between us all. Last year we supported a Week of Prayer for

Christian unity, Bilingual prayer meetings, frugal lunches and a celebration service.

The Easter Sunday early morning service in the top car park at Moel Famau is an annual Cytûn service

most enjoy attending especially if the sun is shining.

The church and its buildings

St Mary's Parish Church

The Parish Church of St Mary is a Grade 1 Listed building built largely in the late 15th century on the

site of an earlier Norman Church. The Norman tower was replaced in the mid-18th century and

further extended in the mid-19th century by the addition of the Sanctuary. The church is adorned with

extensive stained glass windows some of which dates back to the late 15th century. A new Rushworth

and Dreaper pipe organ was installed in 1972 and a scheme for renovating and overhauling the organ

was completed in 2014. The 1730's ring of six bells was augmented in 2005 with the addition of two

new bells.

Understandably given the age of the church there is a need to continually maintain the fabric of the

building. We have been fortunate in receiving funding to repair / replace the south aisle roof which

will be completed this summer. There are areas of the church which are in need of repair and this will

be addressed as soon as possible.

The PCC has considered the need to re order parts of the church to open the extraordinary space to

more imaginative and creative acts of worship, providing a Sacristy, Parish office, choir vestry, and

much needed storage space but also to facilitate more community based activities. A congregational

survey, agreed we need to improve the facilities available, by constructing a more accessible entrance

to the Church, the installation of toilets along with removing some pews to provide an inclusive space

within the Nave for wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams. We wish to improve the heating system and

install a purpose built kitchen. Our architect has been asked to develop more detailed sketches to

illustrate potential usage of the space before we consult with the congregation again and proceed

with identifying funding streams.

St Mary’s Church Hall

The Church Hall is situated in King Street Mold and is used daily by different organisations for many

varied activities from a bimonthly Farmers’ Market and dance classes, to the Novemberfest Real Ale

festival. It is well used by the community of Mold generally with our hospitality group using the hall

on occasions for fund raising events such as Pancake night and ‘Poems and Puds’ evenings. The hall

floor has recently been re polished. It is an asset we would consider selling to help fund the

reordering of the Church

St James' Church New Brighton

St James' church in New Brighton was opened in 1893 and is currently in good structural order.

Sunday Eucharist services are well attended by a small but dynamic congregation. Our Reader leads a

non-Eucharistic ‘Morning Praise’ service once a month. The hall adjacent to the church is a very well

used asset to the parish. There is a regular monthly Lunch Club that includes a delicious hot meal.

This form of outreach attracts many people from the local community who do not attend church but

value the social occasion and fellowship. PCC meetings, Mothers' Union evenings and Mission Area

events along with training sessions are held in the hall.

The Vicarage, Church Lane, Mold

The vicarage was built in the 1960s replacing a much older building. It is situated at the east end of

the church with a foot path leading to the vestry entrance. It is a 5 bedroomed detached property

which is well maintained by the Diocese. One bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. Downstairs there is

a large family kitchen, separate dining room and lounge with an open working fire place. The house

has gas central heating and double glazing with a high standard of insulation. A study at the front of

the property currently functions as the Parish Office. This is accessed without passing through the

private areas of the house. There is a large mature garden which has glorious views over the

surrounding area yet provides secluded sections granting privacy. Assistance with garden

maintenance has, to date, been delivered through the provision of powered equipment and this is

open for further consideration. There is a detached double garage. The property is accessed from the

High Street.

Finances Treasurer’s Report for the Year ended 31st December 2014

St. Mary’s

The accounts show a deficit for the year amounting to £15394.77. However, if exceptional receipts of

legacies amounting to £11383.36 and exceptional payments for refurbishing the organ amounting to

£27600.70 are stripped out, then the deficit becomes a deficit for the year of £822.57, compared with

a deficit on 2013 amounting to £5668.44

Expenditure in 2014 has reduced by some £6900, not including expenditure on the organ rebuild,

when compared with 2013. This is attributable to a significant reduction in expenditure on the Church

Hall of some £5500 whilst marginal reductions are seen throughout the rest of the expenditure.

Total receipts have diminished by some £57350 but if legacies received in both 2013 and 2014 are

stripped out, total receipts for 2013 amounted to £92700.56 compared with £98967.24 in 2014, an

improvement in 2014 of £6266.68. This is mainly attributable to the receipt of Gift Aid tax refunds of

£6857.61 in 2014 compared with £1533.58 in 2013, an improvement of £5324.03 which consists

mainly of the recovery of a back-log of tax owed to us. A more even receipt of tax refunds is expected

in future years. Receipts through Envelope Gift Aid, Bankers orders, Gift Direct and cash collections

have improved by £5169.29, or over 14%.

Increasing economy in expenditure coupled with an upturn in cash receipts gives cause for optimism

for the future that steady improvement in our financial situation will be seen in addition to reserves

from previous years and the receipt of legacies. We at present have substantial reserves but there is

no cause for complacency since those reserves are likely to be called upon in the near to medium

term future for major projects

I would take this opportunity to express my thanks for the continuing support of the Clergy and

Parochial Church Council, the direct assistance of the churchwardens in cash-counting and banking in

my absence. Also to Kyle Ellis for his work in administering the Gift-Aid scheme during a period of

considerable change.

I attach the audited accounts for the year ended 31st December 2014 with my thanks to Mr Donleavy,

our new auditor, for his invaluable work. It is with pleasure that I welcome him to the administration

of St Mary’s

John Nicholas, Treasurer

St James

For the year to 31st December 2014 the income and expenditure account is showing a surplus of

£1,496, compared to a surplus for last year of £2,260. The main reason for this being a reduction in

donations received of £1,124, the collections have increased slightly and fund raising efforts have

continued throughout the year, increasing the surplus by around £400. A grant of £500 was received

in the year from the local community council, this was used to paint outside the church hall. Heat &

Light costs have increased as we had three deliveries of oil in the year compared to two deliveries the

previous year. We have kept the heating on in church and in the hall for longer periods this year, this

has not only made the buildings warmer but has made the church and hall a much more comfortable

place to be. As in previous years we need to continue our fund raising, particularly the monthly

lunches, to pay our bills and continue to make improvements in particular to the church hall.

Sue Churm, Treasurer

Please see Appendix 1 & 2 for detail of accounts

Appendix 1

Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Mold

Receipts and Payments Account to 31st December 2014

General Restricted 2014 Previous

Funds Funds Total Year

Incoming Resources/Receipts

Voluntary Income Planned giving 31,288.78 31,288.78 28,001.76

Loose Collections 10,574.55 0 10,574.55 8,692.28

Donations 9,759.34 0 9,759.34 4,108.12

For Mission 306.22 0 306.22 6,226.46

Tax Refunds 6,857.61 6,857.61 1,533.58

Legacy gifts received 11,383.36 11,383.36 75,000.00

Grants 1,122.00 0 1,122.00 0

Generated Income Money Raising 9,254.35 9,254.35 12,193.69

Fees 9,582.00 9,582.00 12,768.05

Investment Income 17,030.39 0 17,030.39 15,379.12

Other Incoming Resources 3,192.00 0 3,192.00 3,797.50

Total Incoming Resouces/Receipts 110350.6 0 110350.6 167700.56

Resources Expended/ Payments

Support for Ministry Parish Share 45,666.00 45,666.00 41,120.00

Parochial Expenses of Clerics 2,514.83 0 2,514.83 2,828.65

Other clergy 1,481.67 0 1,481.67 3,097.54

Parish Activities Maintenance of Services 10,980.11 0 10,980.11 9,023.94

General Parish Expenses 2,851.05 0 2,851.05 5,741.42

Church Property Maintenance of Churches 45,560.66 45,560.66 13,824.81

Maintenance of other property 5,550.46 5,550.46 11,074.18

Exceptional expenditure 0 0 0 0

Grants and Financial Support Parish 4,273.29 4,273.29 10,814.33

Home/World 5,666.74 0 5,666.74 3,425.41

Other Resources Expended Capital Payments 851 851 3,780.50

Cost of Money Raising 349.56 349.56 318.77

Total Resources Expended/Payments 125,745.37 0 125,745.37 105,049.55

Net Movement in Funds -15,394.77 0 -15,394.77 62,651.01

Appendix 2

St. James’

Job Description

Post: Vicar of Mold

Purpose: To support the Bishop as Chief Shepherd, Pastor and Minister of the Diocese, as a visible sign serving the Church’s unity and continuity in apostolic life, mission and ministry.

Responsible: In collaboration and full co-operation with the local church in the Diocese and Parish for:

People

Mission

Teaching

Preaching

Finance

Buildings and property

Principal tasks & duties (in collaboration and co-operation with others)

Preaching and teaching

1. To preach the Word

2. To administer the Sacraments

3. To lead people in praise and thanksgiving to God through the reverent, regular, careful and inspiring ordering of worship

4. To lead people in mission and evangelism.

5. To teach the Faith

6. To bring new members into the Church by Baptism including the appropriate preparation of candidates, parents and godparents

7. To prepare and present candidates for confirmation.

8. To prepare people for holy matrimony and officiate at the service.

Pastoral care

1. To minister to the sick and dying

2. To officiate at funerals

3. To minister to the bereaved

4. To offer a pastoral ministry to all people within the Parish

5. To share Christian service with others

6. To minister to all who are in need of support and spiritual counsel

7. To proclaim the righteousness, mercy and forgiveness of God to those who are troubled in spirit

8. To seek those who have strayed

9. To liberate and nurture God’s people for the good of all and the glory of God.

Administration

1. To encourage and enable the PCC to consider and define a mission policy for the church, taking into account: -

• the call of God

• the needs of the local community • the needs of the Parish, Deanery, Diocese and Province • the needs of the wider church • the needs of the congregation • the promotion of Christian Stewardship in all its aspects

2. To comply with the law of the land and church regulations in relation to the following: -

• marriages and deaths

• child protection • financial accountability • health and safety

3. To share in an effective, competent and courteous administration of the Parish

4. To consult and co-operate with churchwardens and the PCC in matters of concern and importance in the Parish

5. To maintain the necessary records of baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials and other services (where appropriate)

6. To support the work of the Electoral Roll Officer

7. To encourage, support and participate in the administrative business of the PCC including:

• appointments

• organising meetings • maintenance of accounts • inventory of furniture, fittings and artefacts • care of church buildings

8. To ensure that the statutory requirements of the law, the services and procedures approved by the Church in Wales are complied with in a shared and collaborative ministry.

Church and community

1. To encourage good and courteous relationships with members of other Churches and Faith communities.

2. To support the laity in their social, pastoral and money raising activities which further the mission of the Church in the local and wider community.

Parish Appointments

Local needs and opportunities will also apply such as:-

• to enable and encourage Church members in developing their prayer life and worship • to encourage Church members to be ambassadors of Christ • to strengthen links between the Parish and local schools • to develop strong links with community groups and encourage their involvement in parish life • to liaise with statutory bodies where appropriate.

Person Specification

Post: Vicar of Mold

1. Qualifications and Training Candidates for the post should:

o be a priest within the Church in Wales or an Anglican church in communion with it o be theologically competent o have satisfactorily completed Initial Ministerial Education o be able to demonstrate a capacity to exercise priestly ministry as an incumbent, including the

ability to develop a parish vision o be able to demonstrate a willingness to engage in further appropriate training.

2. Experience Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience and understanding in the following areas:

o managing the resources of a multi-church parish o engagement with and pastoral support for people of all ages o encouraging appropriate work and worship with schools, children, young people and their

families o care, maintenance and development of buildings o the role of the church in the community o the development of liturgy o faith development o encouraging lay involvement in parish life.

3. Knowledge, skills and competencies Candidates will be able to demonstrate that they possess knowledge, skills and competencies as follows:

o an ability to make, and to build on, links with individuals and community organisations whose involvement with the church is limited

o collaborative working – especially with volunteers o leadership skills – including the ability to motivate, inspire and effectively co-ordinate volunteers o ability to preach well in a variety of styles and formats to a broad range of listeners with varying

outlooks, ages and understanding o ability to organise resources (own time, volunteers – individuals and groups, buildings) effectively

to meet a large numbers of demands o a sensitivity to Welsh language and culture.

4. General Attributes Candidates should have:

o an appreciation of the opportunities provided by the parish’s place within the existing secular structures for developing positive links with those not yet actively involved in it – particularly in relation to the role of Mold as the county town of Flintshire

o evidence of a deep prayer life and of an ability to draw on a wide range of spiritual resources o an ecumenical outlook and an interest in working with other local churches o a willingness to enhance and encourage artistic activity within a parish church which is a popular

venue for musical events and art exhibitions o a sense of humour.

Role Description

Post: Vicar of Mold

The role of the person appointed as Vicar of Mold will include the following aspects:

1. Leadership and Working Collaboratively

developing a vision for the work of the church in the parish

inspiring, motivating, challenging and empowering members of the parish, individually and collectively, to work towards achieving that vision

sharing ministry as appropriate and working collaboratively with others – including clergy colleagues, churchwardens, PCC, lay ministers and other volunteers – so that individuals’ gifts and talents are recognised and used effectively in the service of God

encouraging and building up the community of faith in the parish.

encouraging sufficient change within the parish to enable non-church people to take steps towards faith and spiritual growth

ability to communicate with children and people of all ages and of all sections of society

2. Worship, Preaching and Teaching

leading worship prayerfully, competently and confidently so that worshippers are enriched spiritually

planning, organising and leading worship that supports the parish’s vision through the use of appropriate words and music, through preaching and teaching and through the use of other appropriate resources

encouraging the participation of lay people in worship

planning, organising and leading a programme of teaching which supports members of the church community, develops their faith and responds to the needs of different ages and levels of faith or knowledge

reflecting, interpreting, preaching and teaching the gospel in a way that will encourage faith development,

developing content and style of worship and teaching for the needs of different ages and levels of faith or knowledge.

3. Mission and Outreach

developing a ministry that encourages new people to Christian faith

developing a ministry to children and their families

strong sense of the mission of the church

encouraging members of the church to develop skills in evangelism and discipleship so that they gain confidence in their ability to show God’s love in action

developing relationships within the community and collaborating where appropriate with voluntary and statutory organisations

working with clergy and lay colleagues in the deanery to implement the diocesan priorities of: o enabling and encouraging the whole people of God o enlivening and enriching our worship o engaging the world.

4. Pastoral Care

identifying pastoral care needs and developing structures to ensure these needs are met

encouraging appropriate lay people to develop pastoral skills and supporting them in exercising these skills

giving support to those in need of pastoral care, particularly to those facing personal difficulties, to those facing critical times in their lives and especially to the sick and dying, their relatives and friends

communicating effectively and appropriately with people of all ages and situations within the church and community

an ability to demonstrate active listening and empathetic behaviour.

5. Stewardship and Parish Organisation

working with the churchwardens and PCC members to ensure that structures and resources for parish organisation are appropriate, including the development of clear boundaries and accountability of roles

ensuring that structures, processes and policies in relation to services (including weddings, baptisms and funerals), events, health and safety, finance, fabric and personnel meet diocesan and legal requirements

management of time effectively through personal administration, planning and organisation, working in a team, chairing meetings, interpersonal skills and taking appropriate breaks

following an appropriate pattern of work that enables a full spiritual and personal life, as well as meeting the demands of ministry.

6. Personal Development and Spirituality

continuing to develop personal skills and knowledge in relation to ministry through courses of study, reading, training courses and workshops

reflecting spirituality in everyday life

attending diocesan Continuing Ministerial Development days and events

maintaining a prayerful spiritual life with appropriate support networks

recognising the importance of continuing to develop personal theological understanding and spiritual reflection

inspiring spiritual growth in others through personal development in faith

giving time for personal family life, friendships, recreation, renewal and personal health through taking a weekly day off and full holiday entitlement