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MONIFIETH PARISH CHURCH Scottish Charity Number SC008965

Congregation Number 291765

Parish Profile

VISION

To provide for a vibrant, caring and growing Christian Community in Monifieth.

To achieve its Vision, Monifieth Parish Church will

- Witness to The Gospel of Jesus through innovative and traditional Christian Worship

- Provide pastoral care to all, within a loving and joyful community,

especially at times of personal crises - Secure the future of the Church through creative work with young

people

- Build a new church on the High Street, to be right at the heart of Monifieth, and encourage the wider community to become involved in its activities

- Respond to the social needs of the whole community of Monifieth in

constructive and collaborative ways

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Monifieth Parish Church Introduction Following the departure of our former Minister, to take up a position as Associate Minister at Dunblane Cathedral, the congregation of Monifieth Parish Church seeks to call a new Minister. Presbytery has agreed that this should be an unrestricted call. History of the charge Monifieth Parish Church was formed on 25th May 2008 by the Union of the three former Church of Scotland parishes in Monifieth - Panmure, St. Rule’s & South Churches. The church operates under a Unitary Constitution and is part of the Presbytery of Dundee. The combined roll of the Church is 1018. We have a weekly attendance at worship of approximately 120. The congregation ranges in age from young children to a number of members in their 90s. The Kirk Session has agreed to depart from the historic and current practice of the Church of Scotland, in order to permit the ordination or induction of a minister who is in a civil partnership or same-sex marriage. The staffing of the church is:

- One full-time minister – the current vacancy - One part-time Pastoral Assistant – Rev David Jamieson (an average of

14 hours per week) - One part-time organist - One part- time hall cleaner

The Kirk Session comprises 61 Elders, 37 men and 24 women. The latest admission and ordination of Elders took place in February 2017. There is a Pastoral Care Team, of 9 members, which supports the Minister in the Pastoral Care of the Parish. The Team meets regularly to plan its work, under the supervision of the Minister. There are four main teams (made up of Elders and others), which meet at regular intervals, report to the Kirk Session and carry out a huge range of tasks within the church. The remit of each of the teams is contained within an appendix to this profile. Under the auspices of some are semi-autonomous teams, which also work hard to enhance the life and work of the congregation.

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Conduct of public worship Our programme of regular public worship is as follows:

Sunday Morning Services in St Rule’s Church Building at 11am (10.30 am in July and August)

Full Communion Services on the 4th Sundays of October, January and April, at 11am and 6.30pm

Short, informal Communion Services after Morning Worship on the last Sunday of all other months

On the second Sunday of each month, a less formal service, known as Second Sunday Service, is held at 11am. A retired minister, who is a member of the congregation, has taken a leading role in this innovation

Other special services which occur throughout the year are detailed in the section headed Annual Events

Worship

Currently, our pew Bible is the Good News Bible and our hymn book is CH4

Bible translations and hymns from other sources may be used

We currently follow the lectionary

Readings – and sometimes prayers – are given/led by volunteers from the congregation

The congregation has a Copyright Licence

A printed order of service/intimations sheet is produced each week and distributed by those on welcome duty at the church door

The choir is involved in Sunday morning services, regularly opening worship with an introit

We have a permanent organist, and two Elders who are able to cover during her holiday periods

There is an electric piano as well as an organ

Since our last minister left, the Faith and Worship Team has become increasingly involved in leading worship and its input has been very well received by the congregation as a whole

On Second Sunday the format is more participative, involving all ages, and there is no sermon

As a congregation, we are open to new styles of worship

Services are held at some of the care homes in the area – worship is led by members of the congregation or by the minister; the sacrament of Communion is held in these homes at particular times of the year

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Monifieth Parish Church has a variety of organisations, involving people from a wide range of age groups and with various interests: ABC (After baptism (or blessing) children) – a recently formed group, providing opportunities for young children who have been baptised or blessed in Monifieth Parish Church to get together (with their families) and participate in special events within the church community.

Sunday Club – Has some young members who are very regular in their participation. Sunday Club attend the service most weeks and, despite being small in number, the children are enthusiastic and contribute a youthful outlook to worship. 10 Up – A group for young people aged 10 and over who are not yet of the age to attend the Youth Group but are ready for a different experience. This group is often actively involved in Second Sunday Services. As the boys involved are leaving primary school this summer, it is about to merge with the Youth Group.

Youth Group – The majority of members are still currently at secondary school, though the upper age limit is 25. As well as meeting weekly, this group is traditionally involved in providing thought-provoking worship with a different focus, particularly with their own representation of the Nativity story and also in their involvement with the Sonrise service on Easter Day. Boys’ Brigade – An extremely active and successful company, 1st Monifieth has sections at all age groups, which are involved in skills building, voluntary work, badge work, competitions, camping and Christian education. Recently the group has had success in table tennis, piping and drill competitions nationally. Girls’ Brigade – A small group currently but active in pursuing different GB activities, including a recent sponsored walk for charity. High Five – A supported and small youth club experience for young people who are on the Autistic Spectrum. As well as offering the youngsters with ASD

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a comfortable and safe social club, it gives senior pupils at Monifieth High School the opportunity to volunteer as supporters of the club members. Guild – Currently has a membership of around 50 women and men, meeting fortnightly throughout the Guild session for fellowship, learning and service.

Ladies’ Club – This group, numbering around 40, meets fortnightly to enjoy fellowship and learn about a variety of topics from speakers and on outings Songs and Memories – A hugely successful (and growing) group. Originally aimed at those who are living with dementia and their carers, SAM has expanded to include many elderly people who are looking for company and a chance to socialise. They join to sing a variety of songs of different types, and participants and volunteer helpers alike all enjoy the session. Rambling Club – The group offers a programme of walks in various locations, of differing lengths and degrees of difficulty. As they walk, members of the group appreciate their surroundings, enhance their health and enjoy each other’s company. Bowling Club – Members meet to enjoy carpet bowls in the Gerard Hall, during the indoor bowling season. Other groups are the Over 60s’ Club, Ladies’ Badminton and Mixed Badminton.

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Annual events In the years since Monifieth Parish Church came into being – and, in some cases, following on from traditions in the three previous congregations - there are a number of events which have become part of the MPC year. They include:

Gift Service during Advent – donations have been given lately to a variety of charities, such as Perth Prison Visitors’ Centre, Women’s Aid, the Social Work Department (for disadvantaged local children), foodbanks

Blythswood shoebox donations

Harvest Thanksgiving Service – in recent years offerings have been made to local food banks, Playlists for Life and Tools Shed

Quiet Service – held annually in December, for those who have been bereaved and wish a quiet service of reflection as Christmas approaches

Occasional Afternoon Services – for those unable readily to attend the usual Sunday morning service; a short service in the Gerard Hall, with an opportunity for worship and fellowship

Christian education talks – these series of talks have been on topics such as Chaplaincy in prisons, the city centre and Street Pastors; the King James Bible anniversary; Christianity, Islam and Judaism

Remembrance Services – within the St Rule’s Church Building and at the Monifieth War Memorial

Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade enrolment services

Guild Week service

Christian Aid – Christian Aid Week house to house collection, Crombie Country Park sponsored walk and barbecue, coffee bar; can collection at Tesco

Services with other Christian communities in Monifieth – Pentecost Parade, Safari Service, carols by candlelight in St Bride’s RC church, joint Maundy Thursday service in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, World Day of Prayer

Bake and Book sales in the High Street halls, raising funds and providing a link between church and community

Souper Sunday fundraising lunch

Guild coffee morning

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The Local Community Monifieth is a small, vibrant community on the outskirts of Dundee, with a population of approx 9600. Although geographically close to Dundee, Monifieth is an independent burgh, proud of its place in Angus. It is situated on the coast and enjoys a mainly mild climate, with one of the lowest recorded rainfalls in Scotland. Proximity to Dundee allows easy access to a varied cultural scene – with theatres, cinemas, museums, art galleries, and the V&A Museum, which is due to open in 2018. There has been much new building around the periphery of Monifieth and the population has grown markedly in recent years, with many new and young families coming to live in the area. Monifieth is an attractive place to stay, with good local shopping amenities, an excellent secondary school and two very good primary schools. Local health services are available at the health centre and with local dentists. Dundee also provides access to a range of different NHS facilities. A variety of leisure pursuits is readily available in Monifieth, including gym, swimming, bowling, golf and keep fit facilities, as well as clubs offering opportunities for choral singing, amateur dramatics, art. In addition there are Round Table, Rotary and Probus clubs in the area. With good road, rail and bus links, Monifieth gives excellent access to Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Aberdeen. Within easy reach of the town there are many lovely beaches, various country parks and other landscapes that provide more challenging walking, climbing and winter sports opportunities. Monifieth Parish Church Life Members of the congregation are involved in a vast range of roles. The following list is an indication of many of the tasks but it is not exhaustive:

cleaning the church building

compiling and printing orders of service

decorating the sanctuary with flowers and delivering them after services

participating in services – reading, leading prayers, planning and leading entire services

maintaining the website

providing teas and coffees after morning service

welcoming visitors to church – both to regular services and on special occasions, such as weddings and baptisms

maintaining the church buildings

providing services for those in local care homes

supporting the minister with pastoral care visits

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Our buildings Currently Monifieth Parish Church has the following buildings:

St Rule’s Church Building is on the historic site of Monifieth Parish Church and is over 200 years old. It is currently used as our Sanctuary for public worship.

The Gerard Halls: this building is adjacent to the St Rule’s building and is heavily used by Church organisations and by other community groups

High Street Halls: this building is in the main street of Monifieth and is in a poor state of repair. It will be demolished to make way for our new Church, which is at an advanced stage of planning.

The Manse The Manse is a modern, detached house, adjacent to the St Rule’s Building, in a quiet residential street, a short walk away from the High Street. The ground floor comprises kitchen, utility room, cloakroom and three public rooms. On the first floor are four double bedrooms, one with ensuite facilities, and a bathroom. The Manse has a double garage attached and sits in an attractive garden. The building is very well maintained and the kitchen and bathroom have both recently been refurbished.

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Our new church building The congregation of Monifieth Parish Church has decided to build a new church in Monifieth High Street. Our vision is to have an inspiring, efficient, light, modern and purpose-built Church centre in the heart of the community, able to deliver the Church’s message and mission in the 21st century. The building will be an inspiring place to worship and will give us space to meet the needs of Church and community organisations. It is hoped that building will commence later in the year.

Further details of the building and its facilities are set out in the fund raising brochure, which accompanies this Parish Profile. A major challenge for Monifieth Parish Church is to make full use of the opportunities presented by the new building. Two committees are involved particularly in the new church building. The Buildings Committee liaises with the architects, while the New Church Building Fundraising Committee is focussing on securing the additional financial resources required for the project.

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Thank you for taking the time to read our Parish Profile. We are looking for a minister who has energy, compassion and a sense of humour; someone who will share our excitement at the prospect of building brand new premises which will enable us to build stronger links with the people of our parish, from a base in the heart of the community. We seek someone who would welcome the opportunity to be involved in helping us shape our ministry and leading us into the future. July 2017 To receive a hard copy of this Parish Profile, please contact the Session Clerk: Mr Rod Bowman, 7b Victoria Street, Monifieth, Angus, DD5 4HP For informal enquiries, please refer to our Interim Moderator: Rev William McLaren, 01382 459119

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Appendix

Monifieth Parish Church of Scotland

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE TEAM - looking after matters internal to

the congregation and its care

Baptismal Support - sending Birthday Cards, liaising with families about crèche, (bi-) annual family service, occasional get togethers, supporting the ABC group Communication - ensuring notice boards are kept up to date, adding details of church services and events; subscriptions to Life & Work; website; social media; CD ministry; press liaison; general management and dissemination of information New members – welcoming them and ‘buddying’ as appropriate; involving them in the life of congregation; organising a welcome ‘social’ Pastoral Care – overseeing and encouraging the work of the Pastoral Care Team, which is semi-autonomous but accountable to this Team Social & Fundraising - organised by another semi-autonomous team, which is accountable to this Team Sunday Club & Youth Group & Uniformed Organisations - supporting and liaising with leaders and members; informing Session about programmes and needs Welcome - making the first impression a good one; ensuring consistency week by week; Visitors’ book; inviting visitors and others to coffee & tea after the service

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FAITH AND WORSHIP TEAM - encouraging and promoting non-Sunday services and enabling engagement with other churches

Choir & Church Music - mostly a watching brief about music and choir contributions, but perhaps also CCL compliance; liaison with organist about organ and other instruments; consideration of other styles of praise for regular or occasional use in conjunction with minister

Ecumenical relations - keeping in touch with Holy Trinity (Episcopal) and St Bride’s (Roman Catholic), planning joint services and events, encouraging mutuality

Education & nurture - Bible Study, other study groups, prayer life of congregation; lectures and other exhibitions or events; Heart & Soul; anything which encourages people in the development of their faith

Nursing Home etc. Worship - assisting to organise - and participate in - services in the various residential homes and establishments; development of this ministry and involvement of others (including ecumenically)

Special services & Weekday Worship - planning and arranging, regular or one-off events

Training & leadership in Worship - helping to further lay participation in various services/acts of worship

RESOURCES TEAM - dealing with the more routine matters to do with money, buildings, people and legislation Compliance - keeping up to date with legislation and Church regulations to ensure our buildings and activities are compliant; preparation of guidelines & circulars as appropriate; liaising with user groups and other people to gather and disseminate information Equipment - purchase/lease recommendations; maintenance, repair & replacement; instruction in use; protocols Fabric - care of our buildings, reporting to Presbytery Finance - accounting for our income & expenditure; FWO, Gift Aid & standing orders; dealing with OSCR & Presbytery timeously; annual

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salary review for paid staff; hall letting and funeral/wedding fees; stewardship of resources Staffing - recruitment and employment of members of staff; review of conditions and contracts as appropriate; grievance procedures Stewardship - of time, talents, money and compliance with Church of Scotland Stewardship seasons; planning and reporting on stewardship matters

WIDER HORIZONS - responsible for things largely but not exclusively

beyond the daily life of the congregation

Christian Aid - supporting the Christian Aid team - which is semi-autonomous but accountable to this Team - with annual fund-raising and other matters Crossreach Liaison - acting as named contact for Crossreach and reporting on its activities to the congregation via IMPACt and intimations/website etc Eco-congregation - enthusing the congregation to be more eco aware; rolling out modules to Session Teams; keeping abreast of Eco-congregation news and enabling us to apply for further accreditation Fair Trade - encouraging wider use and support of Fairtrade products within the church, by all user groups and by individuals Retiring Offerings & Special Collections - selecting appropriate recipients for special offerings and donations; encouraging generous giving; intimating and reporting Starter Packs - liaising with Starter Packs Dundee, promoting their work, reporting to the congregation on an occasional basis World Mission - acting as named contact for WM Council and reporting on its activities to the congregation via IMPACt and intimations/website etc; supporting WM Stamp appeal; keeping link with Rev Kate McDonald at the Scots Kirk, Tiberias; considering involvement with overseas work/church