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Archdeaconry of Hertford

Stevenage Deanery

Profile for the Benefice of St Andrew & St George, Stevenage July 2014

LIVING GOD’S LOVE Our Vision is: - WORSHIP

To give glory to almighty God and to pray for the needs of the Parish, the Church and the World by the celebration on Sundays and weekdays of the Divine Office and the Eucharist.

To provide Town-wide worship for the wider community.

To maintain the Parish Church as a spiritual focus in the Town, caring for its fabric and ensuring that it is a warm and welcoming place of worship.

NURTURE

To provide for all our members opportunities for growth in spirituality and in knowledge and understanding of their faith.

To maintain close links with St. Nicholas C. of E. Primary School (located in this Parish and serving the seven Anglican Parishes of the town)

To welcome visitors and newcomers in our midst and those who are seeking the Sacraments and to enable all to feel at home in our Church.

SERVICE

To equip our members with opportunities to serve in the worship, ministry and mission of the Church.

To visit the homes and give pastoral care to those who worship regularly.

To care for people in the community, where opportunity arises, through pastoral need.

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These priorities, if not individually discussed and endorsed by resolution of the Church Council, are, in effect, jointly shared by the present incumbent and the Parochial Church Council, which is a harmonious and consultative body. Mission Action Plan including our priorities and goals

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST ANDREW & ST GEORGE STEVENAGE

MISSION ACTION PLANNING REVIEW, JUNE 2014 2013 review shown in italics; 2014 review shown in bold

1. THREE THINGS WE HAVE SEEN ABOUT OUR PARISH AND OUR WORLD. i. Our Church attracts worshippers from far and wide, and we always seek to welcome newcomers into a warm family. We continue to welcome newcomers who become regular members of the congregation. These include several young families, and represent an increasing diversity of nationalities. We are very pleased to hear that some have come initially as a result of seeing information we have given about the Church on the 'A Church Near You' website, and through information about services and events sent for publication in the town-wide free newspaper. Our church family continues to grow numerically, with a wide age range and representation of ethnic diversity. ii. Our Church is at the heart of the town, and the Parish includes residential, commercial and industrial areas. Sadly we do not have the human or financial resources to support the mission we might wish to offer. However the coming of the Pioneer Ministry is a golden opportunity to be part of a programme of outreach which hitherto has been beyond our resources. iii. God has made a good world, but the pace of life is often frantic and man's actions can make it a cruel and unjust world. With the Holy Eucharist celebrated almost every day, we are privileged to offer many opportunities for spiritual refreshment, comfort and tranquillity. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is at the heart of our Church, and we look forward to this being continued and developed when the new Rector is appointed. 2. THREE THINGS WE HAVE SEEN ABOUT OUR CHURCH i. Ours is a beautiful church, and much has been done to maintain and to improve it. We should continue to maintain and to beautify it for present and future generations. There have been on-going serious concerns about antisocial behaviour, including drugs and alcohol abuse, in part of the churchyard known as the Sensory Garden. Following the granting of a Faculty this area has had security fencing and gating installed, and the problem has been significantly reduced. Although ours is a large building which is costly to maintain, every effort is made to keep it well-maintained and to address problems which arise due to 1950s/1960s construction methods, particularly water ingress. ii. We offer the Holy Eucharist almost every day and are a welcoming congregation, with a growing number of young families attending regularly. We are delighted to be strengthening our links with

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the Mar Thoma congregation, members of which worship regularly with us and who also use the church for monthly worship in their own tradition. iii. We encourage study, fellowship and pilgrimage during the year. The annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham took place in 2012, led by the Rector, and another will take place later this year. Advent and Lent study groups met in people's homes and in Church. These traditions were maintained in 2013/2014. 3. OUR VISION IS ... (HOW WE WANT TO BE DESCRIBED IN FIVE YEARS' TIME) To be actively developing a welcoming town-wide ministry, encouraging groups to use this large and beautiful parish church for major services and events; to be maintaining worship in a progressive inclusive Anglican Catholic tradition; to be still viable as a church with a Parish Priest; to have achieved a successful re-negotiation of the Licence agreement with Stevenage Borough Council in 2016, after 40 years, for the use of the undercroft as the Town Museum; failing that, to have been guided towards an alternative use for the undercroft which would still generate essential major revenue. We are privileged to have the space and facilities to enable us to offer the Church as a venue for major services and concerts. In June 2013 we host the biennial CTIS town-wide Songs of Praise. We approach with prayer the forthcoming Vacancy in 2014 following the retirement of the Rector after more than thirty years of service in this parish. The 40-year Licence for the Borough Council to occupy a part of the Undercroft to house the Stevenage Museum ends in 2016. The PCC looks for a re-negotiation of the Licence, continuing the good relationship which exists between Church and Museum staff. Should the Licence agreement not be renewed, realistically we could be facing a loss of 50% of our annual income. The congregation has been made aware of this possibility, and at the renewal of Giving in Grace at Harvest-tide 2013 all were encouraged actively to review their giving over the next three years. Now that the Church is in Vacancy, we look forward to exciting new challenges and opportunities for spiritual and numerical growth, whilst maintaining the high standards of traditional worship developed and nurtured by the Rector over a period of 32 years. 4. OUR THREE KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ARE: i. To continue to extend a warm welcome to newcomers, actively helping them to follow and to participate in worship. The Ministry of Welcome is being actively developed, and a volunteer Hospitality Group has been established. ii. To continue to provide a spiritual home for all our members, in a well-maintained building. Following the recent Quinquennial Report a number of urgent and less-urgent issues are being addressed, including damage caused by water ingress. iii. To ensure that we can continue to provide for a Parish Priest. Once again at Harvest-tide 2012 the annual renewal of Giving in Grace took place, with active encouragement to review both the amount and the method of regular giving. The congregation

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has been made aware of the potential serious reduction in income in 2016, and encouraged to phase in regular increases in their giving over the intervening years. To ensure through our giving that we can meet the Parish Share, should SBC withdraw in 2016. 5. OUR FIVE GOALS FOR THE NEXT YEAR OR MORE ARE: i. To continue to support the Rector in our prayers and by increasing the number who undertake voluntary tasks in all aspects of the life of the Church, in a spirit of harmony. ii. To maintain good liturgy. iii. Actively to pursue the future of the undercroft, its use and essential financial contribution to the Church. iv. To encourage realistic levels of giving from all Church members. v. Following the success of the Bell Tower Restoration Project in 2011, to investigate the possibility of restoring the currently non-functioning electric carillon. To give every possible support throughout the Vacancy, in practical terms and in prayer, to Revd Jacky Page, Assistant Priest, and to the two Churchwardens. To keep the church, both the building and the church family, in good order during the Vacancy. To welcome and support the new Rector. To welcome and support the Pioneer Minister. 5. GOALS ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE INITIAL MAP i. DEVELOPMENT OF WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE a. Strengthening already-established links with St Nicholas C of E Primary School. Develop links with Broom Barns Primary School b. Junior Church now takes place on a regular fortnightly basis in the undercroft. The children and young people process out prior to the first Reading, and return in time to receive their Blessing with their families during Holy Communion. The work which they have done is shared with the congregation at the end of the service. On the Sundays with no Junior Church it is very encouraging to see the number of children still attending with their families; books and resources are provided, and there is a fairly soundproof room near the West Door where parents may take very small children if they become restless, but may still hear the service relayed through the sound system and see what is taking place through the large windows. Investigate more ways to develop work with children and young people, eg re-introduction of Children's Mass c. In 2012 some of our young people were prepared for Confirmation. They asked to continue to meet for study after the preparation course had finished, and the intention is that this will be developed into a multimedia study group open to more of our young people. ii. DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALING.

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Once a month all those seeking healing of body, mind or spirit, for themselves or for those known to them, are invited to gather round the High Altar after the Sunday Parish Mass for the Anointing and Laying on of Hands. The numbers coming forward each time are a reassurance that this is a welcome new initiative. This continues to be a well-attended and much-valued service; there is also a well-established team of laity licensed to take Holy Communion to sick and housebound people. June 2014 NEW INCUMBENT’S PROFILE - First and foremost we are looking for someone who will uphold the Catholic tradition of this parish; to administer the sacraments with enthusiasm and joy, but also with respect and dignity. We are looking for someone with energy who wants to build up the church, attracting new members whilst not neglecting current members, some of whom have worshipped here for many years. We are looking for someone who will be sensitive to the style and distinctive congregations of the weekday Masses. One of our last Rector’s great strengths was that he was not judgemental; he accepted people for what and where they were in their lives, and we want this kindness, gentleness and love for people to continue. We need someone who will be an example, who will teach, lead, encourage and, sometimes, admonish; who will pray for us and with us, who will share our sorrows and joys. Such a priest will find great support. We need someone who will work well with our Assistant Priest, and the other senior members of the PCC: the Wardens, the Assistant Wardens, the Treasurer and Secretary, the leader of the children’s work, Director of Music &c. We regard ourselves as a team, and are looking for a collaborative leader who will offer visionary yet sensitive leadership.

In return we will offer you: -

(a) An experienced and dedicated Assistant Priest.

(b) Churchwardens and Church Council, who seek to work co-operatively with their Incumbent in the worship, ministry and mission of the Parish. We offer a congregation that is loyal and committed in its worship and awareness of being the family of God. Over the period of a month, 120 people worship both on Sundays and weekdays; the majority of whom attend at least one Mass a week, others less. This does not include the children who regularly attend Mass.

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THE BENEFICE: -

St Andrew & St. George is the sole Church within the Benefice.

1. LOCATION Our Website is ‘A Church Near You’ Post Code is SG1 1XX or click on: http://www.achurchnearyou.com/stevenage-st-andrew-and-st-george/ Parish of St. Andrew & St. George, Stevenage The Parish embraces the whole of the New Town Centre, most of the Industrial Area to the West of the Railway Line, Bedwell and Monkswood residential areas and some housing beyond Fairlands lakes.

2. COMMUNITY The whole of this Parish was developed and grew out of the Building of Stevenage as Britain’s First New Town, established in 1946 under The New Towns Commission. The Industrial Area was built first and developed throughout the 1950’s, mainly centred on the Aircraft & Guided Missiles Industry and other medium to heavy industries such as paper & packaging manufacturing, printing and light engineering. This dominance has now completely disappeared from the industrial scene and the industrial area has been eroded to a still large area but given over almost completely to light electronic industries, computers and associated IT industries and only a small presence of the old ‘Aircraft’ industries in the shape of Astrium, the world’s leading manufacturer of satellites and space exploration equipment.

The Parish now comprises a sizeable population of retired people; unemployment is high throughout the town centre area with a lot of ‘Social Accommodation’ available in the form of flats and other Housing Association properties. The static population is approximately 10,000, which fluctuates with the daily influx of shoppers and people working in the factory area and retail outlets.

There is a good mix of Private (ex-local authority housing) and original Council housing which is now administered by Stevenage Borough Council under the ‘Stevenage Homes’ banner. There are also a number of ‘Housing Association’ areas in the Parish, which house mainly younger tenants. The bulk of the housing stock was built in the 1950’s in the early years of the New Town.

The whole range - there are 2 large Care/Residential homes in the Parish, five large blocks of flats, mainly tenanted by younger residents. There is a high proportion of single parents housed within the Parish, but again, this nation-wide element of the community is very high in Stevenage as a whole. Stevenage is administered wholly by Stevenage Borough Council, whose main Offices are situated in the Town Centre.

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The Ward of Bedwell encompassing much of the housing does have a large Community Centre nearby. This was modernised a few years ago and provides Lunch Club facilities as well as large ‘Hall’ type spaces for hire for all usual social events. The Local College also uses it for special courses run for the community such as Computer/IT activities.

The Parish has a high level of non-employed persons, mainly because of the number of retired and elderly residents. Looking at Stevenage as a whole, the industrial Areas within the town do draw many residents from within Stevenage, especially to the numerous Supermarkets and other retail outlets. There is a huge inward flow of traffic daily into the industrial areas, especially the Gunnelswood Road area with Glaxo Smith Klyne being by far the largest employer and whose employees come mainly from outside the town. Stevenage is well connected by rail to London and the North. Commuter levels to London continue to increase yearly.

Our Logo includes the Motto ‘At the Heart of the Town’ – a twist on the Stevenage Borough Council’s Motto – ‘The Heart of a Town is Its People’.

There is limited contact with the 2 main ‘Residential Homes’, but, whereas in the past we have had members living there, this number has now reduced and contact is somewhat limited.

We are involved in annual town events such as Armistice Day Services in the Town Square and Carol Services at Christmastide.

Social activities focus mainly on the Leisure Park; the Town Centre and industrial area are very quiet in the evenings and at night. The Town Centre is very busy at weekends along with two large retail parks to the south of the Town Centre. All of these areas draw in large numbers of visitors from elsewhere in the town and the larger catchment area of North Hertfordshire as a whole. 3. EDUCATION There are a number of schools in Stevenage and generally speaking their patronage bears no relationship to their geographical location. There is a massive cross-town movement of pupils each day between schools and areas of residence.

Located in our Parish is the largest College in the North Hertfordshire College group. We have little contact at present, but a Chaplain who is well known to us acts as Chaplain to the North Herts College group throughout North Hertfordshire. This College has a huge catchment area and a multi ethnic/cultural clientele to match.

There are 4 schools within the Parish – our own School, St Nicholas C.E. (Aided) Primary School and Nursery in Six Hills Way, Broom Barns Community Primary School, nearby in Homestead Moat; and a little further away, Bedwell Community Primary School in Bedwell Crescent, adjacent to which is the Roman Catholic Primary School, ‘St. Vincent de Paul’.

We maintain a very close contact with St Nicholas with weekly visits by the Rector and Assistant Priest for participation in worship. These visits are usually led by school staff and pupils and the Rector participates in the prayers and giving of the Blessing. Both the Rector and two members of

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our congregation are on the Governing Body. The Eucharist is celebrated twice a term in School; the Ascension-tide Eucharist is held in church. There are also Christmas Carol Services and the Thanksgiving Service at the end of the School year held in the Church.

During the last year, a very successful re-establishment of contact with Broom Barns School has been achieved and this is seen as an important ongoing ministry. Their Annual Carol Service at Christmas took place in church and is booked to do so again in 2014.

In addition, Bowes Lyon House is adjacent to the church across the Town Gardens. http://www.mogozout.org/Activity/Details/Bowes-Lyon-Centre Focussing on youth activities including educational/employment projects, Bowes Lyon House, like North Herts College, has been seen as a challenging ministry for the Town clergy for many years. It is used mostly by young people from Stevenage and also has a broad Ethnic/cultural cross-section.

4. LEISURE AND RECREATION There are several locations for leisure and recreational activity within the Parish and the town as a whole: Bowes Lyon House, the Swimming Pool, various health & fitness establishments, Stevenage Leisure Centre / Gordon Craig Theatre, the Leisure Park including a large sixteen screen Cineworld are all located within our Parish.

Having the finest acoustics in the area, the Parish Church has always regularly hosted concerts and other musical performances.

Stevenage as a whole has many Pubs and other licensed establishments. Some of these are within the Parish; there are two in the Town Centre and a small number of ‘Community area’ Pubs within the Parish. Stevenage Old Town still has the main concentration of pubs and ‘eating’ establishments; many are historic coaching inns dating back to the 17th Century.

There is a flourishing ‘Bingo’ hall in the centre of town; it is one of the ‘original’ buildings of the New Town and was a ‘Mecca’ Dance hall and in the main this establishment is patronised by the older residents of the town.

5. WORSHIP Sundays

9.25am Morning Prayer (said)

10.00am: The Parish Mass (Common Worship Order One). Junior Church is held on alternate Sundays in the undercroft of the church

Weekday Masses – varying times allowing maximum opportunity for worship

Monday: 9.45am

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Tuesday: 6.00pm

Thursday: 10.00am

Friday: 12.30pm

Saturday: 9.15am (except last Saturday of the month)

Ecclesiastical Tradition –

Affirming Catholic tradition

Westward-facing liturgy

‘Common Worship’ at all services

Inclusive Sacramental worship

Full ceremonial with incense at Sung Eucharist

Variety of Musical Settings and traditional & modern hymn

Well supported and developing Junior Church

Monthly Laying on of hands and anointing for healing

Sung Mass in evenings on Ash Wednesday and Major Festivals

Stations of the Cross on Saturday mornings during Lent

Fully observed, well-supported Holy Week Liturgies:

Palm Sunday Procession and Sung Mass

Maundy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Washing of Feet, Procession and Watch at Altar of Repose

Good Friday Family Way of the Cross and Liturgy of the Passion

Holy Saturday evening Easter Vigil and Mass of the Resurrection

Weekly involvement in Worship in Church School

Eucharist in School twice each term

Annual School services in Church Whilst many churches have few, if any weekday services and because some of our members for various reasons are able to come only during the week for worship, the average number of worshippers is 90 adults comprising about 75 communicants, plus visitors and 25 children.

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Over a month at least 120-130 or so worshippers regularly appear weekly. All ages are in attendance Lay participation in all services and acts of worship is considered essential, introducing variety in the liturgy and engendering a spirit of ‘being involved’. There is a team of 11 Altar Servers providing MC, Thurifer, Crucifer and two acolytes at every Sunday Mass and Major services. There are currently 28 Readers on a rota who also lead the intercessions at Sunday Masses. There is lay participation at all weekday Masses: reading, serving and administering the Sacraments on an ad hoc basis, which gives more opportunity for individual participation. There is a team of nine sidespersons on a monthly rota, providing welcome at the entrance to the church. They unlock and prepare the church for worship, distribute hymn books and service booklets and perform a ‘safeguarding’ role throughout the service. They also oversee the involvement of the congregation in presenting the gifts of bread and wine and taking the collection at the offertory. Occasional offices - Baptism, confirmation, weddings, funerals A Parish conference forty years ago established that Baptisms normally take place at the Parish Mass on Sundays usually four times a year. As part of Baptism preparation, ‘Thanksgiving for the Gift of Children’ takes place during Sunday Mass three or four weeks prior to a Baptismal Sunday. Confirmations are held regularly, hosted by the parishes of the Deanery in turn. Confirmations at St Andrew & St George’s always take place during a Eucharist and the Oil of Chrism is used. Marriages and Funerals are conducted as required; there is full co-operation and contact between local Funeral Directors, the Rector and sidespersons within the church. The building affords a dignity to such occasions and the staff offer warmth of welcome and pastoral sensitivity. Arrangements are made with the clergy who provide preparation and pastoral care. A number of Marriages and Funerals are celebrated within the Eucharist. Special services - E.g. Christingle, Harvest, Mothering Sunday, Remembrance Sunday, Memorial

Annual Town-wide Beavers/Cubs Christingle Service

Annual Town-wide Scouts St George’s-tide Service

Schools Christmas Carol Services

Mothering Sunday Mass with the participation of younger members

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Harvest Thanksgiving Mass with Harvest Lunch

Royal British Legion Act of Remembrance on 11th November

Remembrance Sunday is observed within the normal Sunday Mass

Occasional Civic and other Town-wide services as requested. This year in August Stevenage Borough Council is holding a Service to Remember the Centenary of the Beginning of the First World War

Musical Tradition There is a musical director and a small but loyal robed choir; a regular organist enhancing the liturgy. A number of modern musical settings are used at Sunday Mass with occasional traditional language settings on festivals. Traditional and modern hymns are sung, using New English Hymnal and Hymns Old and New.

The Pipe Organ, built in 1988 by Peter Wood of Thaxted, incorporates material from a redundant organ at St. Mary’s, East Ham, built originally by Robert Hope-Jones in 1897 and modified in 1905 by William Hill & Son. Most of Hill’s pipe-work is used, enclosed in a modern case to match existing screens, with contrasting grilles in American pine. The 2 manual console is from the original electric organ installed when the Church was built.

The Organ is registered with the British National Pipe Organ Register reference POO750 whose web site gives a full specification of the instrument. Liturgical Tradition Affirming Catholic Worship: Modern Eucharistic vestments and full Ceremonial with Incense and bells at Sung Mass; copes worn for procession at the beginning of Festival Masses. Alb/Surplice/cotta and Stole at Marriages and Funerals. 6. PASTORAL AND ECUMENICAL Our Assistant Priest is Chaplain to the Local Sea Cadets Corps and has recently been appointed to cover a vacancy as Chaplain to the Stevenage Branch of Royal British Legion.

With the team of Lay administrants, the Assistant Priest also takes the Sacrament to the sick and housebound in their homes.

Currently we have a team of 25 assistants who are licensed to administer the Holy Sacrament in Church and also 10 Lay Assistants licensed to take the Sacraments to the sick & housebound.

Courses in Advent and Lent led by lay persons.

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The Friends Meeting house is very near in Cuttys Lane and a little further away in the same road is the United Reform Church. There is no formal contact with either but we are good neighbours, occasionally using their Hall facilities.

We have a close relationship with neighbouring Holy Trinity Church in Stevenage Old Town, alternating services such as Ascension Day when other Churches throughout the town also join us in worship.

There a Local Churches Together? We have at least three families of Italian origin and are Roman Catholic by upbringing, who worship regularly; all are active members of the congregation and participate in activities in the Church; one is a member of the Church Council.

There is also a family who are members of the Mar Thoma Church who are active members of this Parish; one is a member of the Church Council. The Mar Thoma Church in London to which they are attached has used our church for worship on a regular basis.

At events such as Christmas, Weddings, Funerals and All Souls’ Requiem, it is evident that other Christians join us but it is difficult to confirm their actual numbers. We have on one occasion made our Church available for a large Civic Funeral Mass, which, because of size, could not be accommodated at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, which falls within our Parish Boundary.

7. LEADERSHIP The Churchwardens in this parish try not to see themselves as leaders, but rather as part of a team of equals. It is inevitable that in some ways the Churchwardens have to be leaders, when initiatives are needed in dealing with the building, instructing architect and builders, but in more important matters of Church life: supporting the clergy, being available to members of the congregation who just want to share problems either of a personal nature or problems in their Church life; being friendly to the newcomer and so on. These are tasks for the whole family of the church and the Churchwardens should make sure they are playing their part and encouraging others to do the same. In this parish the Churchwardens worship at Mass every Sunday, unless away or unwell, and again on weekday Holy days, especially Holy Week and Easter. They also try to be the first to offer to do the everyday tasks in running a parish; and in this way hope to lead by example. There may be times when someone, perhaps the Rector or the PCC, specifically asks the Churchwardens for leadership above and beyond any general exchange of ideas which may happen in the PCC meetings, when the wardens step in to give opinion and guidance as far as it is requested. At St. Andrew and St. George’s the role of Churchwarden is certainly not about status; it is more about serving the Parish, even in menial tasks, for which we are not ashamed.

The Parochial Church Council

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There 14 members, 7 of whom are Ex officio: the Rector, the Assistant Priest, the Churchwardens, 3 Deanery Synod representatives, plus the Standing Committee. There is a wide range in ages from mid 40s to mid-eighties.

8. MINISTERIAL TEAM Self –supporting Assistant Priest 9. ELECTORAL ROLL 125 10. ORGANISATIONS The Choir: modest in number, dedicated, and drawn from the congregation (visiting former choristers and local Church Choirs augment for Deanery services or special occasions). There has been encouragement over the years by the Director of Music for younger members of the congregation to join the Choir. The Choir does not robe during the summer holiday period, A full team of Servers provides support for the worship at all Sunday and other principal services, serving on a rota throughout the whole year. The present team is adult, though there is encouragement for younger members of the congregation to participate.

A ‘Youth Study Group’ meets on an Ad Hoc basis, mainly during the summer months after school one weekday. This group works successfully, providing adequate adult support is forthcoming, and will continue this year.

It is policy not to set up in competition to other existing groups in the community. 11. BUILDINGS Spacious 1960 rectangular Grade 2 Listed building; affirming Catholic Tradition - largest church built in the United Kingdom since the Second World War.

H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother laid the foundation stone in 1956 and was also present at the consecration in 1960. The Architect was Lord Mottistone, one time surveyor of the fabric of St Paul’s Cathedral and other churches. The church was built by Messrs Rattee & Kett of Cambridge at a cost of £120,000. Nearly 1,000 people were present at the consecration, normally the Church nowadays can accommodate up to 400 persons.

The main structure is an exposed reinforced concrete frame with brick and panels of Normandy cobbles infill. The roof of the Nave is clad in copper; the lower roofs of the side aisles and entrance porch are covered in a built-up felt or similar material. There is extensive use of glass, providing impressive light to the interior.

The campanile (bell tower) is linked to the Church at the liturgical East end. The campanile originally housed a system amplifying a ‘ring’ of 8 bells which in reality were 8 vibrating rods

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operated from a keyboard located in the Sacristy. This 1950s technology functioned until six years ago. Replacement for this system will be sought in due course.

Beneath the Church is an undercroft, much of which is occupied by Stevenage Borough Council, under Licence, for the use of Stevenage Museum.

The last Quinquennial Report, issued in December 2012 by Messrs Morris & Weatherall, is available on request The main recommendations are to address occasional seepage around areas of flat roofing over the side aisles - a nagging problem despite repair work carried out over several years. The Architect has this matter under review and we await final recommendations.

There is also some necessary work approaching the liturgical West end of the Church to supply additional safety railings on the slopes leading to the main entrance. This is currently in hand and should not present a financial burden.

Regular cleaning is carried out by volunteers in the congregation. Parts of the Church grounds are similarly cared for by volunteers; the remainder, including a sensory garden, by Stevenage Museum who also arrange for the cutting of the lawns.

There is no separate Church Hall. There is a large social area at the West end of the Church used mainly for refreshments after principal services, together with a room enclosed by glazing where parents with little children who become restless during Mass can still see and hear the service through the sound enhancement system.

This room can also be used for meetings of a limited size. Stevenage Borough Council has use of most of the undercroft, by licence granted in 1976 for the use of Stevenage Museum. Some of the undercroft remains in shared use: a large Lecture Room, the toilets and a disabled toilet.

The Choir Vestry is also located in the undercroft beneath the sacristy. Last year the PCC agreed to the use of the Vestry, during Museum opening hours, by the local branch of a support group for Armed Services Veterans. 12. FINANCE As at 31st December, 2013, the PCC held net assets of £20,056 (of which £1,051 is fixed). The PCC held no significant liabilities.

Total incoming resources for 2013 were £64,048. The major items were £30,366 from Parishioners’ regular giving, £28,000 from Stevenage Borough Council licence to occupy the undercroft. This licence is due for review in 2016.

Total resources used in 2013 were £72,251. Major costs were £48,030 Parish Share, £14,908 on regular running cost and £6,644 on repairs and maintenance.

Planned giving is mostly by envelopes, with slow but gradual movement to standing order. Cash collections are actively encouraged to be ‘Gift-Aided’ and overall this Revenue Facility provides us with something in the region of £5K per annum.

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Our aim has been to give away 5% of income. There is always a special appeal for disasters and at Christmas and other occasions.

The parish share is: £48,030 per annum 13. EXPENSES OF OFFICE Are expenses reimbursed in full? Yes What is the current level paid for expenses? 100% Currently there is no clerical provision. 14. COMMUNICATIONS ‘Communiqué’ – a bulletin compiled, printed and issued regularly by volunteers. ‘A Church Near You’ Website updated regularly. Stevenage Borough Council issues regular publications to the community. 15. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES St Andrew & St George’s is a friendly and welcoming congregation, with a core of volunteers for many tasks, from gardening, flower-arranging and cleaning, to fabric matters, to serving at the altar and singing in the choir. The Rector is a kind and understanding man and this has, to a great extent, communicated throughout the congregation. People are kind and understanding to one another, supporting each other in trouble, forgiving, and embracing new people and visitors. People in the community of Stevenage are generally approachable and the clergy have over the years found them appreciative of their ministry. Due to the good work of the Rector and others in giving people responsibility and encouraging their efforts, there is now quite a level of efficiency and expertise in the running of the Church. The servers are well trained, with rehearsals for the special services at Easter and Christmas. The sacristy work is carried out well and smoothly. Records are kept up-to-date; rotas of duties are efficiently issued. Sidespersons are welcoming and diligent. We are heartened to find only small matters brought to our attention by the Archdeacon’s Annual Inspection, and by the recent visit and review carried out by our insurers. There is a sense of unity and common purpose in this Church. Generally, the Parish runs without any of the unfortunate power struggles so disabling to parishes in their work and general atmosphere. The meetings of the PCC are harmonious; each member contributing to the discussion and each member giving practical help. There is quiet respect for each other’s views, even when they differ. Churchwardens, secretary and treasurer support and respect the Rector, and face any problematic issues sensitively together.

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We have our weaknesses. Money is always limited, though for special projects and repairs there is a generous response. Some members of the congregation seem less willing to give on a regular basis, or to give enough, for routine expenses. The situation has improved in recent years, but needs to continue so. Like many churches and other organisations, we find that the majority of the work is carried out by the same people and others seem to regard themselves as ‘passengers’. We recognise that this is a common problem and there is always room for improvement. It is gratifying that in our parish the group of people who help is quite large. We recognise that we are sometimes resistant to change - people traditionally like things the way they are and the way they have been done for years. This is a challenge. We need to be gently led to think and act more adventurously, without feeling that we need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Appendix added July 2014 Proposed Ordained Pioneer Minister During the last 6 months, confidential discussions have taken place between the Churchwardens/PCC, The Archdeacon & Bishop Paul of Hertford regarding the possibility of placing an Ordained Pioneer Minister (OPM) within the Parish. This has been agreed in principle by these parties on the understanding that the appointment will not be made until such time as a new Rector is appointed and in place. The Church Council & Churchwardens of St Andrew & St George (SAG) have welcomed this opportunity to host the project alongside its existing ministry and see it as the start of an exciting season of collaborative ministry. The post of OPM has been created by the Diocese – heralded by the Bishop of Hertford and supported by the Rural Dean of Stevenage, to work alongside the new Rector of SAG in its unique mission & ministry not only to this Parish but in the wider area of Stevenage. Special funding has been released for a period of 3 years to support this position and provide a budget for the project. It will be one of only 3 such positions created within the Diocese and the sole position within the Archdeanery of Hertford that is funded in this way. This will make the Parish of SAG a unique, exciting and inspirational centre within this town. There are still details to be agreed, but the primary focus of this OPM is to reach out to the Youth of the Parish and its vicinity in imaginative ways, working under a ‘Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO), the OPM will be using the facilities of SAG, especially at times when these are not utilised by existing Parish activities. The Rector, Churchwardens & PCC of SAG will retain overriding control and responsibility for continuing the existing pattern of worship and pastoral care, overseeing the initial negotiations in

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connection with day to day activities of the OPM and detailed timetabling of usage of the available accommodation within the Parish Church. To ensure that our new Rector is able to put his/her own stamp on the final details of this proposal, it has been agreed that the OPM will not be licensed until such time as an appointment has been made and the Rector is in place within the Parish.