Mission Statement. As part of the worldwide church of Jesus Christ we are called to:

Transcription

1 Mission Statement The people of St. Andrew s in the Grange seek, with God s help, to encourage and give opportunity to people of all ages to grow in faith, commitment and fellowship, so that together we can be a church for today and tomorrow; As part of the worldwide church of Jesus Christ we are called to: -Worship God together, encouraging one another in personal faith and prayer, and sharing the Good News about Jesus; -Keep Christ s Church and His Gospel relevant to all generations; -Love and care for one another in the spirit of true Christian Fellowship; -Make the best possible use of the time, talents, money and faith with which God has blessed us to serve our community and world, caring for those less fortunate than ourselves. 1

2 St Andrew s in the Grange Guernsey The vacancy arises by virtue of the fact that our former minister decided after 14 years to return to a Parish in Scotland. This is an unrestricted call as per the Presbytery of England Plan. CONTENTS PARISH PROFILE The Church... 2 Services... 3 Worship... 3 Adult Christian Education... 3 Young People... 4 Church Property... 4 The Manse... 5 Organisation... 6 Communications... 7 Other Churches... 7 Statistics... 7 Compliance Issues... 7 Local Church Review... 7 Path of Renewal, Path Light... 8 Finance... 8 Employment Details... 9 Living in Guernsey Banking Healthcare Education Lifestyle Applications and Contact Information Picture Gallery THE CHURCH St Andrew s in the Grange has always been a Presbyterian congregation in both heritage and tradition, but in 1972 our congregation became part of the Church of Scotland. Although based in St Peter Port, we are very much a gathered, island-wide congregation; a fellowship that is, as we are reminded each week in the printed Order of Service, committed to nurturing our members and neighbours through prayer, worship and service. Click here to see around the inside of the church. 2

3 The church currently has a Roll of 179 members but there are also many others who whilst not on the roll, regularly attend Services and play a full and active part in our congregational life. We pride ourselves in our Welcome to visitors and encourage all those who attend each week to join us after worship for a coffee and a chat. SERVICES Currently, services are held each Sunday at a.m. with a creche available for the very young. Attendance varies from depending on the service: Communion is usually well attended. The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper is observed on the first Sunday of each month for ten months of the year. The morning service will invariably include a Wee Word which is enjoyed by both young and old; the service on the last Sunday of the month is often a service of all age worship. This has been welcomed by most of the congregation but in common with many fellowships, there is a small element who struggle to adapt to and accept changes like this. An Evening Service has been held on the last Sunday of the month except in the summer months and December. Attendance at this service also fluctuates, though those who do come value the worship. Central to the life and work of the church is the preaching and teaching of the Word. WORSHIP A feature of recent years has been the development of a Worship Team (shown in photo). Members of the team have, under the guidance of the Minister, gained confidence in preparing and leading worship and overall the congregation has responded positively to this development. Members of the Worship Team regularly lead worship in the Minister s absence. There is a large rota for reading the Bible during Worship each Sunday; members of the congregation have enthusiastically signed up for this. Prayer is important in our worship and the congregation is encouraged to use the Prayer Wall in the Narthex. Music plays an important part in the worship of St. Andrew s under the direction of the Organist. The congregation use CH4. The facility to pre-record music on the Allen organ is particularly helpful on those occasions when no organist is available. ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Lent study courses have been a popular feature over many years. A recent course exploring Discipleship was greatly appreciated by those who attended. We are keen to investigate ways of setting up Bible Study/Home Based Groups. Continuing Professional Development requests from our minister will be fully supported. 3

4 YOUNG PEOPLE Like so many churches, we face the challenge of encouraging children to attend worship and then maintaining their involvement as they grow older. It is difficult to attract CoSY leaders who have a busy work life during the week and expect them to prepare lessons if children fail to attend on a regular basis. Our older cohort of children who used to attend a Sunday evening STAG group have now moved on to higher education on the mainland. An additional service at 9.30 a.m., The Wee Service, originally introduced in the summer months, has been extended throughout the year in term time. Lasting for half an hour, the earlier time has proved very popular with families, allowing them to attend worship and still be involved in outside activities. The numbers vary; we have between twenty and thirty parents, grandparents and young children who enjoy the half hour in a more informal setting in the Upper Room. Those who regularly attend this half hour have expressed their desire for the "Wee Service to continue during the Vacancy and we will do all that we can to facilitate this for we recognise the importance of encouraging young people to attend church. We hope our new Minister will wish to continue this form of worship. CoSY + (CoSY plus) is a relatively new group, which has been running for the most part about 18 months. This is for Mums, Dads, Grans and Grandads, babies and younger children to meet and enjoy fun times in and out of Church. But it s not only for children and their relatives as we try to invite the entire congregation to our events when they take place. This is to get everyone involved. We have found that in some cases our older members come as they can be lonely and enjoy the company of the children and their parents. CHURCH PROPERTY A lot has been achieved in the past 10 years building on the enthusiasm and fellowship evoked at the time of the redevelopment of the Hall. Our congregation is very conscious of its carbon footprint and has endeavoured to reduce its energy demand. A failing heating system and increasing energy costs meant that the congregation needed to find an alternative form of heating. Under-floor heating was introduced in the Sanctuary together with the addition of a screen, resulting in a reduction in heat loss. The work undertaken provided the congregation with the opportunity to remove the pews and to replace them with chairs. This has meant more versatility in the use of the space and provided greater opportunities for different forms of Worship. In addition to the normal two side aisle configuration many other layouts are possible including a centre aisle layout used for weddings and as this picture shows, an intimate layout used for an Emmaus Communion service on Easter Sunday evening. 4

5 The sound system has been upgraded and includes a loop system. A screen and projector are often used in services. Our hall, which is accessed from the two doors behind the pulpit and which was originally on one level only, has been converted into two floors, with an upper room now used for worship, study groups and meetings. The Board is actively looking into the installation of a wifi facility. The lack of car parking spaces in front of the Church places limitations on weekday activities both in the Church and the Hall but we do all that we can in the space available. A child minder group, keep fit groups and a choir regularly use the hall during the week. Car parking is available close by for evening Church activities and Sunday worship. Being a gathered congregation fellowship is important not just on Sundays when we meet for coffee after worship but in the fairly regular afternoon teas in the hall, the Christmas and Easter lunches in a local hotel and in recent years the Congregational away day in August to the nearby island of Herm. This has been particularly popular with all ages and always starts with a short service in the gardens of the little church on the island. THE MANSE The manse is located at Le Villocq Castel Guernsey GY5 7SB 5

6 It is situated in a mature residential area in the centre of the island, two miles from St Andrew's in the Grange in St Peter Port. There is easy access to all island amenities including the schools and colleges and of course the numerous beautiful beaches and cliff paths. The detached four bedroom bungalow was constructed in the early 1950s with a large flat roofed extension added approximately 40 years ago. The property underwent an extensive renovation 15 years ago, was further upgraded 5 years ago and continues to be well managed and maintained. The accommodation comprises: Entrance hall, study, family room or dining room and kitchen. There is a large lounge, a master suite, three double bedrooms and a bathroom. The study comes complete with desk and shelving; the kitchen is fully fitted; the attic is fully floored over the main part of the house; there is a box room/store adjacent to the master bed. The windows are modern double glazed UPVC. The house has oil-fired central heating throughout. Toward the rear of the house there is a large detached garage/utility room with a well sheltered paved area adjacent and parking to the front. The garden to the front has an open aspect and faces West, has parking and is laid mainly to lawn. The rear garden is also laid mainly to lawn with attractive shrubs, trees and hedging affording privacy. There is a small greenhouse complete with mature vine and a shed. There could be help in maintaining the garden. The manse has been reported in Presbytery as being "one of the most attractive manses in Presbytery" A further property survey will be carried out in 2017 prior to the new Minister's appointment. However since the property is in excellent condition, few changes, alterations or upgrades are anticipated. ORGANISATION St Andrew s in the Grange currently operates under the Model Constitution of The Church of Scotland although the Kirk Session has also had one exploratory meeting to discuss the possibility of moving towards a Unitary Constitution. The Minister is the Moderator of both the Kirk Session and the Congregational Board. There are 18 elders who also take it in turns on a three year cycle to serve on the Congregational Board together with members of the congregation. Most of the elders are responsible for a district, not only delivering the magazine but visiting more frequently when pastoral support is needed. The Minister regularly visits those in hospital, those in Care Homes or the house bound. The need for a Visiting Group is recognised not only during the vacancy but going forward. To this end the Kirk Session is exploring the option of setting up a Pastoral Care Group to work with the Minister. 6

7 COMMUNICATIONS A church magazine The Kirk Quair is produced six times a year and the Minister produces an Order of Service sheet each Sunday which includes Bible notes related to readings and is also a useful way of disseminating announcements of forthcoming meetings and events. The church also has a web site www. cofsguernsey.org.gg OTHER CHURCHES The Established Church in Guernsey is the Church of England with the Dean of Guernsey recognised as the senior church appointment on the Island. The 10 Island Parishes each have their own Parish Church and Hall, similar to rural Scotland. In addition to the Anglican Churches there is a strong Methodist and Roman Catholic following and a number of other denominations. There are good ecumenical relations between the Island s churches, albeit on an informal and unstructured basis at present. The congregation played an active part in Churches together in Guernsey, an organisation composed of church leaders and representatives from the Island churches; this group is currently not functioning but hopefully will rise again in a new format. There will be opportunities for the Church of Scotland Minister to develop a wider role within the island community enabling greater involvement in many aspects of island life. The Minister, when invited, will represent the Church of Scotland at Ecumenical Services involving other denominations and also at the more formal occasions at Government House or the States of Deliberation. STATISTICS Figures for Baptism, Weddings and Funerals over the past four years have averaged six to seven Baptisms, three to four Weddings and seven Funerals. COMPLIANCE ISSUES The Church is fully compliant with the Church of Scotland Safeguarding Policy and Data Protection rules. LOCAL CHURCH REVIEW A review was carried out in November 2014 at which time the Team found ample evidence that the congregation took seriously the commitments of its Mission Statement and was alive to discerning ways in which the Statement could find contemporary and practical expression. The full report will be made available to all applicants. 7

8 PATH OF RENEWAL, PATH LIGHT The congregation have been involved in the initial Path of Renewal project through Path Light. This has made us crucially aware of our context, not only being a Church of Scotland outwith Scotland but also where we are in the community. The established Church on the island is the Anglican Church but we believe that we have a role to fulfil within the Island community. Individual members of the congregation are very active in their support of Island charities particularly those associated with the Guernsey Voluntary Service and as a congregation we have a reputation for being always willing to volunteer when organisations ask for our help. Following discussion, Session has taken the decision, due to the impending Vacancy, to Pause our involvement with the Path Light Project. We remain totally committed to the ethos behind the scheme and wish to explore further our continuing involvement with a new incumbent. Our Aspirations: To be more than just the Church of Scotland on our Island reaching out through our involvement in the Community. We may have paused our involvement in the Path of Renewal Project because of the Vacancy but we remain, nevertheless, committed to finding ways of outreach. To continue to be a Welcoming, inclusive Church, reflecting God s love and care; strengthening the fellowship between members and all those who choose to attend. Our Challenges: To encourage increasing involvement of all age groups within our Church. An ageing congregation brings risks; our challenge is to encourage young families not only to attend but also to participate in our congregational life. We need to find ways of nurturing our young people so that they want to come to church despite the demands of outside activities. We need to encourage more members of the congregation to actively get involved in the congregational life so that responsibilities are shared more evenly and that everything is not left to the Session. We wish to continue to be a self-supporting congregation. FINANCE A Giving Congregation in a Giving Community Over the course of the last 10 years the level of Weekly Offerings and other donations into our General Fund by members of the congregation has risen from 44,740 in 2006 to 66,708 last year, an increase of almost 50%. We have always met in full our allocated Ministries and Mission contributions, but for the last six years have also met in full the calculated cost of Ministry in the island (a slightly different amount from in Scotland), making voluntary additional contributions where necessary to top up the allocated sums. 8

9 During the same 10 year period, we have spent in the region of 200,000 on the upgrading of the Church building. The reconstruction of the hall was followed by the introduction of underfloor heating in the Sanctuary, the replacement of pews by chairs and new carpeting. Last year saw the lighting system being modernised to become much more flexible and sympathetic. More than 90% of the costs entailed in these works was raised internally by the congregation, with minimal outside support sought. At the end of 2006, the total of our Unrestricted Funds amounted to 76,863. Notwithstanding the major financial efforts required in undertaking these projects, the comparable figure at 31 December 2016 was 69,653, meaning that the congregation s financial reserves have barely been eroded by these very substantial undertakings. The congregation has also become much more outward looking in recent years. Guernsey s financial health as an island is certainly stronger than many places in the world, but neither Guernsey as a whole nor sections of its population are entirely without problems. As a relatively small island, it tends to try to meet these issues by a community effort, sometimes by small groups of individuals and sometimes by the involvement of larger organisations. The needs and responses are perhaps best illustrated by the existence of about 450 registered charities in the island. St Andrew s in the Grange has a growing reputation for providing support. Many members of the congregation do voluntary work on an individual basis for island charities, as well as providing financial support to local and international efforts, but most also see it as important to do so as part of a congregational effort. Last year representatives of four charities Bible Society, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Sailors Society and The Leprosy Mission participated in worship, and these were four of the ten charities supported financially by us. Almost 28,000 has been raised through retiring collections and other donations in the last ten years. Giving, though, is not simply about money. Increasingly, the congregation has shown a willingness to give of their time and talents in community efforts such as beach cleaning and the clearance of overgrown public areas, and in helping other organisation with fewer resources, such as a local youth club and the United Reformed Church, to redecorate their premises. The congregation also supported over a number of years, the "Maison St Pierre Refuge for Women, not only financially but by the regular collection of non perishable food and toiletries. The Refuge closed last year but the congregation continues to support Guernsey Welfare and their Food Bank by donating food and at Christmas, money for coal. Indeed the congregation of St Andrew s in the Grange has a reputation for always being willing to lend a hand in Community projects. We appreciate and value everything that is given to us by what is a generous congregation and the office bearers all strive to ensure that we demonstrate this by the manner in which our funds are used. A copy of our latest accounts will be made available to all applicants. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS The Minister will be entitled to a Long Term Employment Permit which will be valid for 8 years. At that point, the Minister will then become an Established Resident and will be entitled to remain in the Manse indefinitely while in post. Following 6 years as an Established Resident, the Minister would then become a Permanent Resident. A Permit holder s Partner is entitled to 9

10 apply for work under the holder s permit. For more information visit: The Minister s Stipend is currently based on the National Stipend Scale plus an outer island allowance (at present 1,566 per annum). Minister s Travel in Guernsey is paid at the same rate as in the U.K. In Guernsey both employers and employees pay Social Security (National Insurance) contributions at the rate of 6.60% on assessable income (the total of the stipend plus the outer island allowance). The Minister is classed as employed for this purpose. Further details can be found at Individuals in Guernsey pay Income Tax at the rate of 20% on their assessable income, which is identical to the Basic Rate of Income Tax in the UK. Personal Allowances are granted (currently 10,000 for Single Persons and 20,000 for Married Couples and those in Civil Partnerships). The island has no Capital Gains, Inheritance, Value Added or Withholding Taxes. For further information about taxation in Guernsey please visit LIVING IN GUERNSEY The island of Guernsey lies less than an hour s flying time from London, 70 miles from the south coast of England and only 20 miles west of the French coast. There are direct links to the UK mainland by high-speed and conventional ferry, as well as air links to a number of UK destinations. The Bailiwick is English speaking and you don t need a passport to travel here if you are travelling from the UK or Republic of Ireland. The currency is the British Pound. An independent and self-governing island forming part of the southernmost group of islands that make up the British Isles. The Bailiwick of Guernsey includes the smaller neighbouring islands of Sark, Herm and Alderney. The Island has a total surface area of 24 square miles. The population of Guernsey as of 2016 was approximately 63,000. Further useful information is available from the States of Guernsey on Guernsey has a milder climate than the UK and benefits from more sunshine hours. Islanders make the most of the outdoors with the beaches and water activities being extremely popular during the summer months. The Telegraph recently named Guernsey as the best Island in Britain. Many international banks, fund managers and insurance companies have established here. Whilst the traditional industries of tourism, flower growing, fishing and dairy farming still play an important role in contributing to the local economy, there are also a number of high profile 10

11 light industries based on the Island. For more information about Guernsey, its culture and things to do go to the VisitGuernsey website. There s no doubt about it, Guernsey is a wonderful place to live - but we also know that behind closed doors there's another picture for some. This is the opening statement on the website of Guernsey Welfare, a Christian Charity supported by St Andrew s in the Grange, which works with a variety of people who find themselves in financial need. This charity and the food bank which it runs https/ together with many other charities which care for the less fortunate on the Island are testament to the fact that, although often described as a wealthy Island, there are many Guernsey residents who are far from wealthy and have to fall back on the support not only of the State but also of the charitable sector. Guernsey has the reputation of being one of the most generous societies in the world when it comes to charitable giving and raising money for good causes. BANKING Setting up a personal bank account is simple with the majority of the international banks being found in Guernsey, often as offshore subsidiaries. UK bank accounts can be easily converted to Guernsey based accounts. HEALTHCARE The Healthcare system is very different from the UK National Health model. Primary Care All primary care (including GPs and Emergency Department consultations, physiotherapy, dentistry, chiropody, opticians etc) is provided on a private basis. There are three General Practice Partnerships each with several surgeries around the island. A consultation with a GP during working hours costs approximately 60; residents who are registered with Social Security can claim a grant of 12. The grant for consultation with a Practice Nurse is 6. Secondary Care Secondary care is provided by a consultant only service run by the Medical Specialist Group at Alexandra and Mill House or in the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and is only available through GP referral. This service is free at the point of provision and is funded from Social Security Contributions. The Princess Elizabeth Hospital is a small but well funded hospital providing a wide range of facilities and a high standard of care. Further details about the Medical Specialist Group can be found at If a patient requires treatment that is not available locally then the patient will be referred to a UK hospital, usually Southampton; the government funds the cost of treatment and travel. 11

12 Pharmaceutical Service The drugs that can be prescribed by doctors are listed on the States website and can be accessed at by searching for the White List. Unlike Scotland there is a prescription charge and this is currently 3.80 per item for up to a 28 days supply. There are very few exemptions to this charge-only those 65 years and over, those on low income and those claiming Severe Disability Benefit. Ambulance and Paramedical Service The St John Ambulance and Rescue Service provide this service. Should assistance be needed, the individual must pay for the ambulance and treatment given. It is possible to pay an annual fee and then the service is free at the point of provision. The cost for a single person to join is 30 and a family membership (includes two adults and children in full time education) is 70. Further details at Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK There is no reciprocal agreement so all UK residents visiting Guernsey are advised to obtain health insurance and all Guernsey residents are advised to obtain health insurance when visiting the UK. For further details about health care visit: Social-Care-and-Community-Safety EDUCATION The law currently requires children who reach the age of five before 1 September in a particular year to attend school for the next academic year. However, the Education Department has agreed that children who reach the age of four years on or before 31 August may also start school from the beginning of the academic year, if accommodation and staffing levels allow. These four and five year olds are accepted into their catchment school's Reception or Year 1 classes depending on their age. Many children attend private pre-schools before starting school. However, from January 2017, all three to four-year-olds whose parents have a joint annual income of less than 150,000 are entitled to free pre-school provision for up to 15 hours per week, 38 weeks a year (term time only), supported by the States of Guernsey. There are currently 12 Primary schools and 4 Secondary schools run by the Education Department of the States of Guernsey. In addition there are three private schools, one for boys - Elizabeth College, one for girls - Ladies College and a Catholic co-ed school - Blanchelande College. All three private colleges have Infant and Primary departments. In November 2016, the States Assembly reiterated its support for ending the 11+ selection process and moving to an all-ability secondary school system from September For further information regarding transitional arrangements please visit Three Guernsey schools cater for pupils with special educational needs. In most cases, children with physical handicaps attend mainstream schools and often have dedicated teaching sides. Schools also provide special services for pupils with visual and hearing difficulties. 12

13 There is also a State-run College of Further Education. The college offers more than 300 different courses from part-time evening courses to apprenticeships and full-time degree level. For further information go to The States of Guernsey supports students choosing to study at university through a meanstested grant scheme. This goes towards the cost of tuition fees, maintenance (living costs) and travel costs. The amount of funding received is dependent on a number of factors, including an assessment of parental income. Further information about all aspects of education in Guernsey can be found at LIFESTYLE Here in Guernsey we understand the need for a good work life balance and with plenty of sports and leisure opportunities as well as stunning cliffs perfect for sunset walks, there s plenty to do to keep busy. If you prefer to relax in your free time, why not stretch out on one of Guernsey s 27 beaches, or visit some of Guernsey s many great restaurants and taste some fresh Guernsey produce? Your free time doesn t have to be a rare treat. Forget motorways and long train journeys, everything in Guernsey is just a short drive or even just a walk away, allowing you more time to spend with friends and family. Guernsey has a variety of local events all offering a range of activities to get involved in during the year; perfect for getting to know the Island and the people in it. Guernsey is also known for its safe and friendly environment. Here, crime rates are low and with a maximum speed limit of 35mph, serious road accidents are rare. Even Hedge Veg a tradition where locals sell their produce on the roadside for others to buy shows what a trusting island Guernsey is. 13

14 APPLICATIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION The Kirk Session has voted to depart from the traditional teaching of the Church on Same Sex Marriage. Our open doors reflect our welcome to all and applications are invited from all who hear a call. Convener of the Nominating Committee: Mr Dick McIntosh, Les Baissieres, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2UE. dickmci@yahoo.com Tel: Clerk of the Nominating Committee: Mr Stuart Hardie, Les Buttes, St Peters, Guernsey, GY7 9SD Dedicated for applicants: cofsguernsey@gmail.com Tel: Home , Business , Mobile Interim Moderator: Miss Elizabeth Fox. Elizabeth.Fox@ukgateway.net Tel: Applications which should include your CV and the names and contact details of two referees are welcome by letter or by addressed to the Clerk of the Nominating Committee. The closing date for applications is Sunday 12 th November 2017 A church of open doors, open minds and open faith 14

15 PICTURE GALLERY Service in Herm Christmas lunch The Congregation The Organ and Piano The Balcony Window St. Andrew s in the Grange 15

16 A postcard produced recently to publicise the Church Clockwise from top left: Visit to Herm, Pulpit and communion table, Afternoon tea in the hall, Regimental badges from pew cushions, Upper room of the hall, Nativity play, Sanctuary from the pulpit steps The reverse of the postcard 16

17 St. James Concert Hall Cliff Walk South Coast Herm Ferry at St. Peter Port High Street St. Peter Port Bluebell Woods Sunset at Cobo 17