Parish Profile

DIOCESE OF LONDON: EDMONTON EPISCOPAL AREA PARISH PROFILE

St  Mary  the  Virgin,  Monken  Hadley  

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1. The Local Community The parish of St Mary the Virgin, Monken Hadley, is located in the northern most tip of the London Borough of Barnet. The parish is geographically spread out along a west to east strip incorporating the Common in the centre. It is almost entirely a residential area, with just a little light industry and a few shops, at the westerly, High Barnet end of the parish. Parishioners who live in properties bordering the Common are economically very wealthy indeed, whereas parishioners elsewhere in the parish are more modestly housed. To the southwest, near to the centre of Barnet, there are a few flats and a network of unpretentious but comfortable roads. A little further away to the North West and surrounding The Green, housing includes gentrified cottages of previous centuries’ artisans, now mostly lived in by the well heeled. Additionally there are quite a few modern houses in the parish, housing equally prosperous families. To the east of the parish, dwellings become increasingly more modest as one descends the hill towards New Barnet. Beyond the railway line at the eastern-most end of the parish there is a sizable area of modern terraced housing and local authority homes standing in less fashionable roads. Housing is very expensive throughout the whole of the parish. Regarding the statistical composition of the local community, the figures have been taken from the most recent High Barnet Ward Census, which although not exactly coinciding with the footprint of our parish, shares many of the same features. It should be noted that bordering wards covering other parts of the parish, yield similar statistical results. According to the Census statistics of 2001 for the High Barnet Ward: More than 77% of households are owner occupied and 35% of these are without a mortgage. The rate of unemployment in this part of the Borough is very low around 2.5%. The number of retired persons is more than 12%. The census also shows that over 89% of the population of this ward is white, 4.67% Asian, 1.75% Black, 1.85% Chinese; the rest being of mixed race origin. Out of High Barnet Ward’s population 61.28% profess to be Christian, 6.75% Jewish, 2.6% Muslim, 2.38% Hindu,

0.56% Buddhist, 0.17% Sikh, 0.77% other religions 8.15% not stated 17.35% of no religion,

Notably, there is one Care/Nursing Home, and one Church School within the parish and next to it is an Independent Roman Catholic Girls school. Church members on the electoral roll, although diverse, by virtue of differing levels of wealth, tend to have the same aspirations. Many people in the congregation have professional or skilled jobs or have retired from the same. The demographic profile of our congregation does not follow that of the local community but shows a lack of adolescents and young adults. There are many elderly members and there is quite a strong group of younger parents in there 30’s with children who attend the Church and also the Church School.

The Common and the Green offer great outdoor possibilities for those who like walking, exploring and nature, especially considering that we are located on the edge of London. There are quite a number of ponds, a small lake and much of the Common is wooded. At present it should be noted that many of the congregation live outside the parish. Out of the 162 names on the Electoral Roll, 111 of them live outside the parish and only 51 reside in the parish. Those who attend from outside the parish mostly live close by, in the surrounding roads adjoining the parish. A few others come from further afield such as Potters Bar, Cockfosters, New Barnet and South Mimms. One faithful member travels from Finsbury Park. The outside parish members of the Church come very largely from the same socio-economic background as the in-parish members. There is no other faith community close-by. The St Martha’s Roman Catholic Convent used to be situated very closely, but recently moved away.

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2. Pattern of worship

Services Children on Sunday Children’s Group

10.30 am to 11.30

On 1st 2nd and 4th Sundays children start by being present at the Church Service, then, before the first reading, leave for their children’s group in Church House. They re-join the congregation for a blessing at the altar rail and the singing of the last hymn. During notices the activities of the day are discussed with the children and they show what they have been doing. On the 3rd Sunday the children remain for the Family Service.

Toddlers Service and Tea Party

Sunday afternoons

Usually every two months

Sunday services

8.00 am Holy Communion BCP

10.30 am Sung Eucharist Common Worship 1st 2nd and 4th Sundays 3rd Sunday Family Service

6.30 pm Evensong BCP 1st 2nd and 4th Sundays, 3rd Sunday Sung Eucharist BCP

Weekday services

9.15 am Morning Prayer Thurs

10.00 am Morning prayer Saturdays Saints’ Days 9.15

Or 11.00am

Holy Communion

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3. Number on Electoral Roll Total of 162 members on the Electoral Roll 51 of these are in-parish 111 of these are outside the parish 4. Average number of Sunday Communicants Over all services on a Sunday 60 5. Occasional Offices Average number over past year Baptisms 19 Confirmation Candidates 3 Marriages 13 Funerals in church 6 Burial of Ashes 7

6. Church organisations Music We have a talented organist and an enthusiastic mixed choir of regular choristers (church members), who come from all parts of the congregation. Our Organist is a recent appointment and has already made a significant difference to the musical life of the church. Evensong on Palm Sunday was a Meditation in song and prayer led by the choir. There is an available choir of up to 15

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members. The age range for the choir is from 9 upwards. There will be a fundraising concert, led by the choir, on 2nd July 2011. Children’s Group Network (those who support the Children’s Group) This is a group that was originally created to support the children’s group, our Sunday school; however, this group now plays a wider pastoral role. New families are encouraged to attend evening meetings where they will find a welcome in our community and are encouraged to participate more fully in the church. There are 58 members of this group. There is a rota of 14 or more adult helpers who provide stories, singing, prayers and creative activities during the service.

Youth Group There is now a Youth Group, who are ending their first year with a ‘Battle of the Bands’ concert in Church House Garden. The group applied and received a grant to create an outreach event that would draw other young people to our Youth Group. A great deal of interest has been shown in this event and we hope it will be a springboard to greater things. This has been organised jointly by CGN and the Youth Group. It has been noticeable that a group of fathers have been instrumental in this project. Youth work and work with children has grown considerably and we hope this will be a platform for further expansion, as this is an important part of the church’s ministry.

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Mothers’ Union The Mothers' Union group was formed 51 years ago and numbers 18. Unfortunately the members are aged from 60 upward, and although they have tried to attract younger members of the congregation, have had no success, mainly due to the fact that the younger wives all hold down daytime jobs. However the Mothers' Union members are the "workhorses" of the Parish, despite their age, and are invaluable in the support they provide to all church functions. In fact members are to be found in all the church working groups. Meetings are held monthly with a variety of speakers. The members may be elderly but are vital to the smooth running of the church.

The Guild of Bell ringers – 9 in number, some are members of other churches. Altar Guild – 1 man 5 women Church cleaners are volunteers from the congregation who work in teams of 2/3, once a week. (Nos. about 3) Flower Team – Floral arrangements are renewed each week by members of the flower team on a roster basis of 3 each week. (Nos. 12 in all.) Coffee Rota – After Sunday morning service coffee is provided in Church House, by two people on a roster basis from a pool of 18.

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7. Regular groups for Bible Study/other study/prayer etc. Bible Study held in the evening once a month. Adult and youth confirmation groups as and when required. Lent Groups every year. 8. Lay Ministry Public Worship Laymen and women drawn from the congregation read all Bible readings, except the Gospel. Teenagers and children, both boys and girls, act as service acolytes. Laymen and women offer prayers of intercession. A significant number of men and women are licensed as lay ministers of the sacrament. One of our parents, Charlie Fisher, is a Commissioned Lay Minister who regularly takes Toddler service and Morning Prayer. Pastoral Care A small team of volunteers takes it in turn to assist the Rector with visits to the sick in their homes. Church Wardens To date Church Wardens have stayed in post for up to 6 years. 9. Mission Attached is a copy of the current Mission Action Plan. 10. Vocations Charles Fisher 11. The Deanery There are strong links to the Deanery and the Area Dean has visited us regularly during the interregnum. Our closest link is with St John the Baptist, Chipping Barnet, in the Diocese of St Albans; mainly through the link with the historic Hyde Foundation charitable trust which encompasses both churches. It should also be noted that there is strong co-operation between the St John the Baptist and the Monken Hadley bell ringers. 12. Ecumenical Monken Hadley Church has always had friendly relations with other churches in the area. Roman Catholics from the local Convent attended our Evensong services when the Convent was situated close by. We have always hosted the Good Friday Ecumenical service that culminates with a march through Barnet of all church denominations. Monken Hadley is part of the ‘Churches Together for Chipping Barnet’ group. This organisation does broaden our relationships with other denominations in the area. We have recently hosted the Women’s World Day of Prayer, which was wonderfully organised by a member of the PCC. We have supported the Winter Shelter in Barnet through fundraising by the Youth Group and active participation of PCC and church members.

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13. The agreed policy on Christian Initiation (Baptism & Confirmation) The Rector has been happy to baptise children who live in the Parish and from time to time baptise the children of parents who were married at Monken Hadley. Each couple is prepared individually for their child’s baptism. There is a Baptismal support group of 6 members who support the Baptismal Family and provide a link between the family and the church family. Confirmation – As regards young people the Rector has prepared children from Year 6 at the Junior School for confirmation. Adult confirmation is offered on the basis of attending six or seven classes. 14. Church Buildings

The Church There has been a church at Monken Hadley for about 800 years at least. In 1994 the quincentenial of its rebuilding was celebrated. The church is of considerable local (and probably national) historical significance. Parts of the building, for example the beacon cresset, are unique. It is a very picturesque building situated amongst a variety of period houses and in close proximity to the beautiful Hadley Common. There is an ancient churchyard, several of the gravestones having literary connections. The church is in much demand for baptisms and weddings, not always from members of the congregation. This is seen as a source of outreach. We have a hard working fabric committee who are working through a programme of repair and restoration. These are all small-scale repairs, such as clearing gutters; there are no major repair problems at present. Parish Office There is no parish office.

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Church House There is a Church Hall, known as Church House. At present Church House is run by the Trustees, who are the Rector, one Church Warden and the PCC. Church House has undergone major refurbishment. A professional cleaning team is in place. Church House also has a large garden area where many events are held.

The Gate House

The picturesque two-bedroom cottage by the white gate is owned by Sir Justinian Pagitt Ecclesiastical Charity, of which the PCC is the Management trustee and the London Diocesan Fund is the Custodian Trustee. The original objects of the Charity were to provide a residence for the Parish Clerk or Verger. However, it has not been required for this purpose for some years and the Charity Commissioners have consented to the

property being let for the benefit of any other charitable, ecclesiastical purpose in connection with the Church of England, in the Parish. The property is at present let on an Assured Tenancy. The Trustees set aside funds to meet future repairs and use the balance of income to make donations from time to time to the general funds of the P.C.C. Churchyard maintenance There is a churchyard that is ‘closed’. The London Borough of Barnet is responsible for its maintenance but only provides financial assistance for maintenance on a capped basis. Additionally, church members occasionally turn out to do any necessary clearance.

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15. The Rectory The Rectory is a Georgian building that is now divided into two separate houses, the Rectory and Rectory Close. (Rectory Close is let and run by the Diocese, so Monken Hadley Church has no responsibility for it.) The Rectory, rear view shown in the photo, has five bedrooms, two sitting rooms, one dining room, one study, and a kitchen leading to a paved patio area, one bathroom and three WCs. There is a

large garden laid to lawn with flowerbeds and a kitchen garden. A path leads from the entrance porch at the side of the Rectory, to the front of the house and the road. A similar path also leads from the same porch to the rear of the Rectory where a gate connects the Rectory garden with the churchyard. 16. Church School A daily assembly is held at the school and it has been the custom for some years for the Rector to take the Thursday morning assembly in church. The Rector conducts a school Eucharist each term where any child who receives communion in their own church is invited to receive communion. Through this introduction to the Eucharist, a number of pupils have been confirmed under the Rector's instruction. End-of-term, church festivals and carol services have been celebrated in the church: parents are always invited to these. Church members form the majority of the governing body. 17. Resources Annual Accounts Annual accounts attached. Although the balance sheet is relatively healthy at present, our financial position is being eroded as we have been experiencing a net deficit for the last few years. A stewardship campaign was run in the latter half of 2010 to try and stem this problem, and other areas of additional fundraising are often raised by the PCC. Our current contribution rate to the Diocesan Fund stands at around 80%, and all such payments are made on time. As a deanery we are aiming to reach our full contribution. Stewardship There is a stewardship scheme in place, with 36 paying by regular standing order and 17 under the envelope scheme. Regarding the Rector’s expenses all expenses relating to church work are covered. Work telephone calls should be recorded. Work mileage should be recorded and paid at 40p a mile. Work postage should be recorded and paid.

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18. Communications There is a strong Communications Committee, which co-ordinates all forms of communication undertaken in the parish. Parish Magazine There is a parish magazine, which is published monthly and the circulation is between 180 and 200 copies per month. It is edited by the Magazine Committee, which is drawn from the congregation. Parish Website We have a large and comprehensive website, which is a valuable support to all parish activities and events. See link below. http://www.stmarymh.co.uk Other Forms of Communication In extreme circumstances, we have the cresset beacon - local legend has it that it was kept in a state of preparedness, particularly to advise of impending invasion, and was most recently ready for action at the outbreak of the Second World War! 19. Church traditions Churchmanship is middle of the road. Vestments are worn and there is traditional worship both early morning and evening. Common worship is mainly used at the 10.30 Sunday Morning Eucharist. As previously stated there are women lay ministers of the Eucharist. There is a small and committed group of Evensong followers, (Common Prayer Book 1662). This service attracts people from other churches.

20. Any other relevant pieces of information that might prove useful to a potential incumbent?

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Church fabric The fabric of the church is in very good order. We are very proud of the interior of our Church – the pews, the organ, the bells, the memorial bookcase, and votive candle stand.

21. What are the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for the Church? Strengths Strong supportive groups within the congregation Church School as an opportunity Beautiful Church in a powerful setting Choir and Organist 8 Bells Enthusiastic and hard working church members Church House with its own garden area Wide range of talents within the congregation Parents’ group Mothers’ Union Group Rectory Strong children’s ministry A number of active committees support the PCC Weaknesses

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Although up to date our Mission policy does not reflect our needs as a parish or our strengths or weaknesses Recent events mean there is a need for a period of parish healing The need to strengthen and retain the many young families who attend but then drift away A large percentage of the parish income comes from the more senior members of the congregation Church located in a sparsely populated corner of the parish with the main railway line bisecting the parish

Insufficient public transport Not paying full contribution to the Common Fund and not supporting outside charities

22. In the light of the parish profile, are there particular gifts or skills which you would wish to see in a new incumbent? Mission Policy We need a Rector who will help us develop and fulfil our Mission Action Plan. Empathy with the Young In view of our church school it would be ideal if the new incumbent had empathy with the young and they must have some idea how we can encourage youth to take part in our church life. However they should be able to appeal and relate to people of all ages in the congregation including our many older members. The incumbent will be expected to play a full part in the life of the school and be a school governor. Musical knowledge We have a strong musical tradition with sung liturgy. A good cantor would be great. We are looking for an incumbent who has musical skills and who values traditional church music. Visiting the sick The Rector must be willing to visit and fully minister to the sick. In Conclusion; We are looking for someone with energy, imagination and enthusiasm to lead the parish forward. We want a person of prayer, compassion and vision, fully committed to the life of the parish. Signed: Date: