The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY...

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The Church of King Charles the Martyr 2016

Transcript of The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY...

Page 1: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

The Church of

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

King Charles the Martyr

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

2016

Page 2: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 3: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page

2 Overview3 Personalprofile4 Ministry and regular services5 Music and special services6 Children7 Buildings and administration8 Outreach9 Groups and social events10 Other things we do11 Reflectingonthepast12 Facing the future13 About Tunbridge Wells14 More about Tunbridge Wells

The comments in italics are from members of the congregation. They were asked what KCM meant to them, so we had a variety of views before compiling this profile. As it turned out, most people made very similar observations.

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Contents

‘a welcoming church with a growing all-age congregation – a vibrant caring community’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 4: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

‘intelligent, thought provoking sermons’ … ‘sermons have a depth not always heard’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Overview

Appointment

The Bishop and the Trustees of King Charles the Martyr Church, Tunbridge Wells, seek to appoint a thoughtful, energetic and committed Vicar designate to lead, stimulate and shepherd us on our journey and Christian ministry.

About us

We meet in a 340-year old building at the historic heart of the town. Initially a chapel, it became a parish church in 1889.

We cherish the best of the Anglican tradition, with liturgy, vestments, candles, a church choir and organ, and unstuffy reverence alongside junior church, study and prayer groups, quiet days, and social activities. Music plays a very important role, as do all forms of creativity.

We come from different Anglican and other church traditions. Some might call us traditional, or central, or liberal, or progressive – but not high church, evangelical, or charismatic. We appreciate relaxed formality.

We are committed to thinking and learning, treasuring the freedom to search for truth together, recognising that God reveals himself in many different ways.

We welcome all, and have seen growth in young families in particular.

Church life must also equip us to make a difference as we go out into the world living our daily lives, many of us also engaging in voluntary service and care for others.

Some things we do as a churchWe help local churches provide a winter shelter for the homeless. We support the local food bank. We have a link with a church in Estonia. We support a different charity each month. We have a strong musical tradition, hosting many concerts each year. We are seen as the “civic” church for the town.

The future

Our previous incumbent gradually introduced significantchangeandinnovation,yetpreservedthe essential nature of the church.

We seek a leader who will continue that process, sharing our distinctive approach as we welcome all, cherish tradition, are committed to both faith and reason, and strive to be members of Christ’s living body in our community.

See www.kcmtw.org for more detail.

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A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 5: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

PersonalProfile

Thisprofileisdesignedtogiveyouanideaofwho we are, the recent life of KCM, and some of our hopes and challenges.

What we can offer you …

•Thechallengeofleadingandguidingamajortown church.

•An active, responsive, thoughtful, creative, interesting and interested body of people.

•A diverse congregation with a large range of skills and interests.

•Excellent music. Almost all the church musicians are also regular worshippers.

•An historic and beautiful building in an historic and attractive town.

The person we are seeking …

•Will lead us on, building on our heritage and ministry but not fundamentally changing who and what we are.

•Can stimulate and inform a well-educated congregation and participate in reasoned discussion and debate.

•Uses Common Worship and the Book of Common Prayer and is at ease with less formal (but still well-structured) forms of worship.

•Is pragmatic, collaborative, and able to bring people together even though they hold a variety of views and preferences

•Appreciates cathedral-style music and understands its importance to KCM

•Will help us develop our spirituality and pastoral care.

•Will continue to attract young families and also young people.

A note about the VicarageThe Diocese is looking to replace the existing large Vicarage with a more manageable and comfortable one. Finding the right property within the immediate locality of the small KCM parish may prove challenging. If necessary, the new parish priest will need to move into the existing Vicarage and then, when it is available, move into the replacement Vicarage.

In order to facilitate the replacement of the Vicarage, the Patrons’ Rights of Presentation have been suspended, so that the new parish priest, initially, will be appointed as Priest-in-Charge. Once the priest has moved into the replacement Vicarage, steps will be taken to lift the Suspension of the Patron’s Rights of Presentation with a view to enabling the Priest-in-Charge to be appointed as the incumbent, the Vicar.

More details concerning the existing Vicarage and of any replacement Vicarage (when these are available) can be provided.

‘traditional worship, Eucharistic liturgy, beautiful music’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

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Page 6: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

‘intellectually stimulating as well as spiritually enriching’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Ministry and regular services

PARISH

The parish, of around 800 homes, was carved out of three other parishes in 1889. At April 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish.

MINISTRY TEAM

The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah Partridge (a part-time self-supporting minister) and three Readers. The congregation includes retired clergy who also help out from time to time.

REGULAR SERVICES

Parish Communion. The principal Sunday service is parish communion at 10am, using Common Worship and the latest Hymns Ancient and Modern. Average attendance is around 120. OnthefirstSundayofeachmonthparishcommunion is held in the evening.

FamilyService.OnthefirstSundayofeachmonth there is an informal all-age family service at 10am, preceded by breakfast in the church hall. There can be 30 or more children at this service.

Book of Common Prayer. The continuation of BCP services is important to many of us.

Regular services include:

•Sunday 8am BCP communion service (average attendance 25-30) •Wednesday at 11.30am BCP communion service (average attendance 8-12)•2nd (and 5th) Sunday of the month at 6.30pm, said evening prayer (average attendance 8-12)•3rd Sunday of the month at 6.30pm choral evensong (average attendance 20-30)

Meditative Service. On the 4th Sunday of the monthat6.30pmthereisareflective,informalservice, sometimes in the Celtic tradition (average attendance 10-20).

Lay participation is a valued part of the 10am Eucharist and other services, providing sidespersons, crucifers, servers, Bible readers, intercessors, those who present the elements, and chalice assistants. Crucifers and servers are robed.

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A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 7: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Music and special services

MUSIC

Music plays a major role in the life of KCM and itsoutreach.Thechurchboastsafineorganwitha number of able players as well as the principal organist and the Director of Music.

A robed choir sings at the 10am parish communion most Sundays, a junior choir sings monthly, and a chamber choir (the King Charles Singers) sings evensong monthly.

Hymn singing is a strong feature of most services, with seasonal psalms. The church recently purchased a set of the newly published edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern, which provides a wide range of traditional and high-quality modern hymns.

SPECIAL SERVICES

Weddings in the church number 5-6 a year, with the incumbent meeting couples for preparation as needed and convenient.

Baptisms are carried out either as part of morning service or just after it, averaging around two a month.

Funerals and thanksgiving services take place as required, and average around 10-12 a year.

EASTER

The regular pattern of Easter services marks Holy Week with

•Palm Sunday communion and a short Stations of the Cross evening service•Compline on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings•A Seder Meal on Wednesday (biennial)•Maundy Thursday evening communion, followed by a Watch till midnight•Good Friday 10am Family Service and Three-Hourservicefrom12-3pm(thefirsthalf consisting of meditations, music and silence)•Easter Day Dawn Easter Vigil at 5.30am (followed by breakfast in the church hall) and Easter Communion at 10am.

CHRISTMAS

Christmas services include •Advent carol service•Christingle family service• Carols by candlelight on the Sunday before •Christmas (very popular)•A Scratch Nativity on the afternoon of Christmas Eve (standing-room-only)•Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve•Christmas Day family service. We deliver Christmas cards to every house in the parish advertising these services.

‘Music is part of outreach. KCM has become one of the places to go for festival music’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

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Page 8: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

‘as a parent I like the fact that children are welcome at church’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Children

CHILDREN IN CHURCH

All children stay in church during family services. During the 10am parish communion a crèche is available in the vestry, staffed by a team of volunteers. The service is relayed to the vestry. Other children leave for their activities during the second hymn and return for communion. ‘King Charles Cavaliers’ are of school age, moving into ‘Café Cavaliers’ as they get older.

Members of the junior choir rehearse on the 2nd Sunday and sing in church on the 3rd Sunday. They join the other groups on the 4th (and 5th) Sundays. Children enjoy interesting and fun activities, sometimes having visitors to talk to them, learning more of the Bible as they progress through the groups.

A young people’s discussion group meets monthly in the evening eating pizza while they discuss topics chosen by them - which have included “changing the world” and “social media”

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A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 9: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

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A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Buildings and administration

THE CHURCH BUILDING

The church building is grade I listed, an understated brick building with an attractive white cupola and clock and an historic sundial, recently restored. The Tourist Board lists it as an “outstanding” church, and Simon Jenkins includes it in his 1000 best churches

It opened as a chapel between 1676 and 1678, built with donations from wealthy visitors. It has been extended considerably and now forms a lofty, chapel-like interior with panelled upper galleries along its north and south walls, stained glass windows to the areas under the galleries and period clear glass elsewhere. The chancel, added in the 19th century, includes a stained glass window as the backdrop to the altar. It includes a breath-taking decorated plaster ceiling by craftsmen who worked with Sir Christopher Wren on St Pauls Cathedral.

KCM is located in the historic heart of the town adjacent to the Pantiles, a beautiful colonnaded walkway, which also houses the spring from which the town gets its name. It is a popular tourist area. Along with shops and cafés the Pantiles hosts markets, music on the bandstand, and other events.

THE PARISH OFFICE

TheparishsecretaryisintheofficeonMonday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. We have good word-processing and reproduction facilities for printing the magazine, weekly pew sheets, and orders of service when required.

FINANCE

KCMhasthebenefitofsignificantsupportfrom its congregation with over 110 regular donors, most contributions being given under gift aid. The net income from lettings of the church hall also contributes to KCM’s work

Cash income has exceeded expenditure over eachofthelastfivefinancialyears.Theparishhas paid its full parish share over that period and is a net contributor to diocesan funds.

Significantreserveshaveaccruedasaresultof the positive net income, with unrestricted funds of some £216,000 being held at the end of 2014. Some of the reserves are earmarked for works to redecorate and refurbish parts of the church hall during 2015 and 2016. In addition, a quinquennial inspection is due in 2016, which may lead to further drawing on the reserves.

Fullfinancialstatementsareinthe2015Annual Report, available on www.kcmtw.org.

The building has no grounds around it but is opposite the common and a popular independent music venue, the Forum, a great attraction to the town’s young people.

Volunteers enable the building to be open on weekdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm, not just for visitors and tourists, but also for those who wish to pray, or spend some time in peace and quiet. There is also a small “shop”.

KING CHARLES CHURCH HALL

The church hall is nearby in Warwick Park. Built just over 100 years ago, it provides a valuable resource for parishioners and the local community. The large recently decorated main hallhasastageandsprungfloor.Otherroomsinclude an upper room (recently refurbished), theparishoffice,andakitchen.TheWCsarecurrently being renovated.

We use the hall for refreshments after parish communion and for other social occasions. It is used daily by a kindergarten. Other local groups and individuals hire the venue. There is also a three-bedroomflatthatisrentedoutandsomelimited car parking.

‘We all value the variety of family activities available’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

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Page 10: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

‘newcomers and visitors welcomed and encouraged’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Outreach

KCM exists not just to provide a loving and supportive worshipping community, but also to equip members to be ambassadors for Christ at home, in the workplace and in the local community. Members come from diverse walks of life, and many are also actively involved in voluntary and charitable and ecumenical work.

KCM also engages in corporate activities that reach out to others, and continuing growth suggests its mission is fruitful.

MusicKCM provides a distinctive musical voice that attracts those who appreciate it.

LiturgyWorship services at KCM are almost entirely liturgical and church festivals attract large congregations. Some come to KCM simply because we continue BCP liturgy.

Fresh ExpressionsNew ideas include: pizza suppers for young people; Celtic worship; contemplative prayer ; arts festivals; a monthly men’s group.

BuildingA dedicated team keeps our historic building open both for tourists and as a daytime sanctuary and place for private prayer.

CharityMembers are encouraged to look to the needs of others through monthly charitable giving to local, national and international causes.

KCM supports the local Nourish community food bank with volunteers, food and money. Food is collected in a basket in the church and taken to the local distribution centre. We allow Nourish free use of the hall.

EcumenismFor the past three years KCM has been involved in the Tunbridge Wells Churches winter shelter. Our hall has been one of the church venues providing food and shelter for homeless people during January and February nights, and church members volunteer to help. Some members are also street pastors.

International linksA link has recently been established with St John’s Church, Haapsalu, Estonia. Our incumbent visited there for a weekend, and Bishop Tiit Salumae, his wife and the church secretary (acting as interpreter) visited KCM, the Bishop preaching. A group from KCM returned that visit in September 2015.

Outreach committeeOutreach is so important that there is a subcommittee of the PCC dedicated to it, which considers how KCM reaches out to others. Its initiatives have included •theproductionofaleafletfortourists;•a short guide to parish communion for those unfamiliar with the service; •“parish faces”, a photo album kept in church of members of the congregation; •summer fetes

The committee chooses the monthly charities, often with input from members of the congregation. If possible a visiting speaker introduces the charity at a morning service.

One of the committee’s major initiatives has been in welcoming newcomers. They take responsibility for noticing and speaking to those who have not been before (encouraging all of us to do the same).

They also organise welcome suppers, hosted in different members’ homes. In that environment established and new members can get to know each other better. New families are invited to summer lunches, or tea and games in the church hall.

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A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 11: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Groups and Social Events

CHURCH GROUPS

Inadditiontoactivitiesspecificallyforchildrenandyoung people:

•There are monthly Bible studies and study groups (usually through Lent and Advent). •A contemplative prayer group meets twice a month.•There are weekly prayers in the “Quiet Corner” of the church on Friday lunchtime. •Quiet days involve a Saturday retreat, usually twice a year at St Mary’s Abbey, West Malling. •The King Charles Fellowship meet on one afternoon a month for refreshments and fellowship, and to hear a guest speaker. They also arrange an annual outing.•A men’s group meets on ten evenings a year for a meal in a local restaurant, coupled with a game of boules in the summer, or a talk (usually from one of their number) in the winter. •Women in the Martha-Mary group meet over lunch in the church hall once a month. In an atmosphereofmutualsupportandreflection,the group tackles a variety of topics, inviting each individualtofindtherightMartha/Marybalancefor themselves.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Social events include

•King Charles lecture (annual)•A quiz night•An annual picnic or barbecue•Occasional church fetes•Refreshments after services•Breakfast before family services•Lunch after the annual church meeting•Auction of harvest produce, followed by lunch

We have occasional ‘Grand Days Out’, visiting other church premises for worship and activities like drawing, photography, drama, craft or dance, along with Bible studies and other discussion groups.

During June 2015 we held a creative arts week that included workshops for art, craft, photography, drama and creative writing; a lunchtime concert; a lecture on the poetry of Rowan Williams; and a Sunday evening “Songs of Praise” with hymns chosen by parishioners.

‘refuge and haven of peace and order in a busy world’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

9

Page 12: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

‘music a congregational parish approach to cathedral style services – the best of both’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Outreach

PASTORAL CARE

After training in the skills and principles of pastoral care a small group supports the ministerial team in visiting and caring for those whomaybeisolated,lonely,unwellorinfirm.Members of the congregation are encouraged topassondetailsofanywhoareinneed.Afileof resources for the elderly has been compiled and may be consulted by carers and others.

PUBLICATIONS

A monthly magazine is published in-house, containing articles, book reviews, reports, and details of what is due to happen, compiled by an editor with some material contributed by members.

Periodically a contact list is published, giving contact details of members of the congregation who wish to be included.

CONCERTS

The church is a venue for many high-quality classical chamber concerts (organised separately from the PCC) involving international artists.

KING CHARLES COOKS AND CAFÉ

A team arranges coffee, tea and biscuits (and occasional cake!) in the hall after services and a variety of cooks provide food for many of the social events.

OTHER THINGS WE DO

•We have links with nearby schools. •Communion services are held monthly in a local nursing home. •A Traidcraft stall opens twice a month in the church hall after the 10am service. •Weeklyflowersinchurchareprovidedandarranged by an enthusiastic team. •The church hall garden is cared for by members, and has consistently won awards. •We collect for Christian Aid in the parish.•We support the Kent Churches yearly sponsored bike ride.

REFRESHER SUNDAY

Every few years we hold a “Refresher Sunday” featuring activities in the life of the Church and encouraging one another to get involved in something new.

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Other things we do

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A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 13: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Reflectingonthepast

Ten years ago a discussion paper was published reflectingonthecharacter,roleandfuturedirection of KCM. Here’s an outline. How have things turned out?

Where were we ten years ago?In an historical building. In a tiny parish, a majority of whose congregation lived outside it. Part of the fabric of the town, even of the establishment –withsomemembersincivicoffice.Alsopartof the town’s heritage, with regular visitors.

Thebeautyofthebuildinginfluencedthestyleof worship – attracting some and putting off others – relatively formal liturgy and traditional music. That aesthetic mirrored the beauty of the Book of Common Prayer, used in many services. But we did not stay in the past; the largest regular congregation used Common Worship. A monthly family service was well supported.

There was a genuinely warm and friendly community, who appreciated the social side ofthechurch.Itssocialmake-upreflectedthetown. Well educated. Committed to study and learning. Doing things well mattered. Some wished to deepen spiritual life in prayer and reflection.

•accepted people on their own terms, not requiring any particular theological position – or any at all, if that is where they were – except, perhaps, a willingness to be open to each other; we saw believing and belonging as interconnected, one not necessarily preceding the other•were comfortable with others holding different views•were liberal in the right sense of that word – open to God’s truth wherever it is to be found – but seekers after that truth, not people who think they can believe whatever they like.

In brief, what made us distinctive as a church in Tunbridge Wells was that we sought to be•inclusive and accepting, a place where it was easy to belong•traditional, in the sense of cherishing our heritage and building on it•committed to thinking and learning, able to give a reason for our faith•committed to the world – faith should lead to works•incarnational, revealing the Gospel as much by who we were as by what we said

There was interest in practical Christianity, and generous support (in time and money) for charitable causes.

We wanted the right balance between cherishing our heritage and developing new forms of worship and church life, seeking to attract more younger people and families. The process of change was important. All points of view needed to be considered properly and fairly.

The town had a large number of churches, with whom we wished to foster ecumenical relations.

Most other Anglican churches were in the evangelical or ‘low church’ tradition, only one or two being ‘central’ as KCM was. We did not therefore need to please everyone, as people had choice. And we also had a role, to cater for those who sought our style of churchmanship, in which we•balanced Protestant and Catholic traditions, being sacramental and also valuing Biblically-based preaching that drew on ‘truth’ wherever it is found•valued order and structure, but as ‘relaxed formality’, where spirit mattered more than letter

‘important to feel that liturgy has been said by generations; recurring voices, echoes, words hugely comforting’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

11

Page 14: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

‘We would rather struggle with the hard questions than be given easy answers’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Outreach

What was written ten years ago could also be written of us today – yet over half our congregation were not at KCM ten years ago!

Ten years ago we adopted objectives that, to some extent, remain work in progress.

1. Welcoming and integrating new peopleA genuine welcome is so important it can be seen as a form of mission in its own right. Equally important is to make everyone feel part of the church community.

Today’s congregation is younger than it was ten years ago. Many families have joined us, and continue to do so.

We have also become a refuge for members of other churches who are looking for a different kindofchurchmanship,asignificantnumberofwhom have joined us recently.

2. Increasing our visibility within the townWe are attracting people though our church music, concerts, and festival and civic services. We deliver Christmas cards and Easter greetings around the parish.

3. Relating to our immediate vicinityWe are slowly building up relationships with traders and others in the historic heart of the town but we would like to engage with them more closely.

4. Making the best use of our buildingAs stewards of the oldest public building in the town we already see many tourists. We would like to think we are making the best use of the building.

5. Fostering education and exploring and deepening faithIn addition to existing opportunities for prayer and contemplation, Bible study, and occasional study groups and away-days, there may be other means of exploring our faith and deepening spirituality.

6. Strengthening fellowshipThe social life of KCM, its sense of “family”, is one of its strengths - to which the various social events contribute, especially in drawing in those who may still be on the fringe.

7. Commitment to those in needOur links with Estonia, the winter shelter and food bank, and charitable work have been mentioned.

8. EcumenismWe are members of “Churches for Tunbridge Wells” who organize the winter shelter and street teams.

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Facing the Future

12

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 15: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

About Tunbridge Wells

About the town

The “Wells at Tunbridge” were discovered 400 years ago, but the town grew mainly in the 19th century. It is a spa town, attracting tourists. The Pantiles, its historic heart, is right next to our church building.

We are 35 miles from London, about an hour by train, so home to commuters among our 55,000 residents (although there are plenty who work locally too). London offers more than work, and many of us appreciate having the Capital and its attractions on our doorstep.

It is an elegant place, with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings alongside later development, including 15 residential “parks” and a large common.

At the northern edge of the High Weald, there is lovely countryside around, and we are less than an hour from the coast. We are also close to Gatwick and the Channel Tunnel and ports.

Housing

House prices in Tunbridge Wells are at about the national average. Contrary to popular belief, there are areas of deprivation in the town, as well as areas of great wealth.

Schools

Most local schools are excellent. One is in the parish, the Mead School, an independent primary school that has links with KCM. Claremont primary school also holds services and concerts at the church. Other primary schools include a free school and an academy.

At secondary level there are two outstanding church schools: Bennett Memorial Diocesan School and St Gregory’s Catholic School. Kent retains selective schools entered by the ‘Kent Test’, including Skinners for boys and Tunbridge Wells Girls’ and Boys’ Grammar Schools. There are also a new and thriving academy and independent schools, and local children also attend schools in Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, and East Sussex.

Shopping and eating

Food and general shopping is good in the town and at the North Farm retail parks. The major stores are in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and adjacent pedestrian precincts. Most independent shops are in the lower part of the town, near KCM. There are many restaurants and cafés also and lots of pubs in the area serve food. The huge shopping complex at Bluewater is 30-40 minutes away by car.

‘I value the Eucharistic and liturgical emphasis’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

13

Page 16: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

‘really important that there is a church in Tunbridge Wells offering a different Anglican perspective’

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Outreach

Sport

Sportsandleisurevenuesincludetwofitnesscentres, a municipal sports centre with swimming facilities, and facilities for golf, tennis, cricket, football, hockey, rugby, table tennis and badminton. There is a 10-pin bowling centre, an indoor crown bowls centre, and even facilities for curling and for croquet!

There are a non-league football team, a rugby team and a hockey team. The Nevill Ground, near the church, has a cricket club and hosts county cricket. There is a nearby tennis club.

Arts and Culture

A civic complex includes a library, museum and art gallery, adult education centre and a regional theatre – the Assembly Hall. Trinity Theatre, a former church in the town centre, has a cinema, café and small art gallery, and stages interesting and varied productions by its own club and outsiders.

There is a 10-screen Odeon cinema near the retail parks.

The town has a rich music tradition with its own symphony orchestra, many choirs, and amateur dramatic and operatic groups.

Parks and Gardens

In addition to recreation grounds and play areas there are two major parks, Calverley Grounds in the town centre, and Dunorlan Park within walking distance of town.

There are also 180 acres of delightful common land, some in the KCM parish.

Ashdown Forest, Scotney Castle (NT), Bewl Water and the National Pinetum at Bedgebury are a short drive away.

Media

Tunbridge Wells has two local newspapers, the Courier and the Tunbridge Wells Times.

BBC South East (radio and television) is based in the town.

Churches

The ‘Churches for Tunbridge Wells’ website lists 21 Anglican churches, 3 Roman Catholic churches, and 20 churches of other denominations in and around the town.

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

More about Tunbridge Wells

14

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 17: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Page 18: The Church of · 2015 there were 212 on the electoral roll, 155 living outside the parish. MINISTRY TEAM. The team includes (alongside the incumbent) an Associate Vicar, Revd Sarah

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim

Sykes, from photographic detail of the

churchʼs beautiful stained glass window

s. c2015

The Parish OfficeKing Charles Church Hall

3 Warwick Park Tunbridge Wells

TN2 5TATelephone: 01892 511745

A collage of King Charles the Martyr facade, created by Tim Sykes, from photographic detail of the churchʼs beautiful stained glass windows. c2015

Web: www.kcmtw.org

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