The Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales - Leeds Minster Profile 2015.pdf · Leeds Minster...

prayer mission service hospitality

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The Diocese

of

West Yorkshire

and the Dales Statement of Needs

for a Priest-in-Charge

(Rector Designate)

The Parish of Leeds City


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Contents

Welcome 3 1.0 Introduction By Bishop Nick, Bishop of Leeds 4 2.0 Overview of the City of Leeds and the Region 5 3.0 The Parish of Leeds City 8

4.0 Introduction to our Worshipping Communities 12 5.0 A View from the Interim Priest 28 6.0 The Challenges we face 30 7.0 Who do we seek? What do we offer? 32 Summary 33


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Welcome…

And thank you for taking an interest in the post of Priest-in-Charge of the City Team (Rector Designate)

We hope that this booklet will help introduce you to our mission, ministry and ministry and challenges we face. We pray that God will lead the right person to

join us at this exciting moment in our life and witness.

Please visit us online www.leedsminster.org

Useful contacts:

The Venerable Paul Hooper— Archdeacon of Leeds

2 Wike Ridge Avenue

Alwoodley

LEEDS LS17 9NL

T: 0113 269 0594 (Office)

E: [email protected]

E: [email protected] (PA to the Archdeacon of Leeds)

Leeds Minster Office

St Peter’s House

Kirkgate

Leeds LS2 7DJ

Telephone 0113 245 2036

http://www.leedsminster.org

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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1.0 Introduction by The Rt Revd Nicholas, Bishop of Leeds

“We are seeking a priest with resilient faith, appropriate experience and exceptional leadership qualities to build, re-shape, inspire and encourage the Leeds City Team and to make a significant contribution to the life of the City. The two churches of the parish, Leeds Parish Church (designated a Minster in September 2012) and Holy Trinity, Boar Lane, each have a rich heritage and history as beacons of Christ’s presence and centres for mission in various forms. Cognisant of this legacy, the new post holder will take responsibility for grasping the many opportunities and responding to the significant and urgent challenges which are described in this Statement of Needs. Central priorities are: to refresh the spiritual life and discipleship of the congregations, to renew partnerships for the sake of the Gospel, and to reconnect with the life of the City and its civic institutions. Over the last nine months, and with the effective support of an Interim Minister, the PCC has be-gun the task of auditing their mission and ministry, developing an agenda for spiritual and numerical growth and reviewing their relationships with the wider community. The seriousness of this endeavour has been demonstrated by the release of a significant sum of money to pay their current Parish Share and to offset a considerable proportion of their historic share. Work is due to start on the Minster Precinct Project which will involve reviving the two Victorian buildings to provide apartments for the Rector (if appropriate) and for the Verger, a Parish Office and commercial office space which will yield a future income stream. The Priest in Charge, who will be an Honorary Canon in the Diocese (with a stall at Ripon Cathedral), will have the full support of the Bishop of Leeds, the Bishop of Richmond and the Archdeacon of Leeds. Once the necessary pastoral and legal framework is in place, the Priest in Charge will be instituted and inducted as Rector of Leeds. Subsequently, and in consultation with the post holder, the Bishop intends to appoint one (and possibly a second) Associate Rector who will work alongside the Rector to realise the full potential of the parish to make Christ known and to contribute to the building of God’s kingdom in the vibrant and diverse city of Leeds (which has the biggest retail centre and legal services hub outside London). Leeds aspires to be “Best City” by 2030. We believe that the Minster and parish can contribute to the realisation of that ambition.”

Illuminated copy of the Poet Laureate,

Carol Ann Duffy’s poem for Leeds to celebrate

‘Minster Making’


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2.0 Overview of the City of Leeds and the Region

Leeds, close to the scenic Yorkshire Dales – could conjure up a picture of a place where people

‘wear flat caps and walk whippets’ or a picture of what it is today - a vibrant, exciting

metropolis in the north England with over 750,000 people of diverse cultural and religious

heritage, at the heart of which lies the Parish of Leeds City. The city has significant ethnic

minorities, notably black and black British and Pakistani communities but is increasingly

attracting migration from Europe as well as asylum seekers and refugees.

The Yorkshire Dales were featured in the recent television coverage of the Tour de France, with

the ‘Grand Depart’ from Leeds city centre, drawing over one hundred thousand people into the

city, giving an indication of the importance of Leeds to the region.

As the largest retail and legal centre outside London, the city is at the heart of the newly

created Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales. With three Universities Leeds has the fourth

largest student population in the country and is the fourth largest urban economy, being a

major financial and commercial centre.

Leeds is one of the largest business centres in the United Kingdom, around a quarter of a

million people are employed in the financial and professional sector in the Leeds City

Region with an output valued at £13 billion per year. Financial and professional services are

largely based around the traditional business quarter in the city centre, as well as the newer

area along the South bank of the River Aire. Many companies have regional or national offices

in Leeds, including KPMG, First Direct, Lloyds Banking Group (HBOS) and HSBC. The Bank of

England has their second office on King Street in the heart of Leeds business quarter. Around

463,700 people are employed in the Leeds economy. Two million people live within a thirty

minute drive of Leeds City Centre, and for the last 5 years Leeds has ranked within the top 5 UK

cities with the lowest unemployment.

Leeds Firm J W Myer, was the last flat

cap manufacturer in Britain before

production was moved to China in 2000

Leeds West Indian carnival which started

in 1967 is said to be the oldest carnival

in Europe

Leeds Curry Festival

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_City_Region

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_City_Region

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_services

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Direct

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyds_Banking_Group

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_England


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2.0 Overview of the City of Leeds and the Region (cont’d)

Leeds is also a city of contrasts, with ambition and prosperity rubbing shoulders with those

who struggle with poor housing, access to jobs and unemployment. Over 150,000 people in

the city rank among the 10% most deprived in the country and the city centre seeks to cater

for all.

The city centre has 3.5 million square feet of retail floor-space, five miles of shopping streets

and one of the country’s largest pedestrianised shopping areas, much of which is found within

the Parish of Leeds City. Features of note include:

Victoria Quarter—ornate glass-roofed Victorian arcades housing fashion designers shops

and high-end department stores including Harvey Nichols (the first store to be opened

outside the capital), Louis Vuitton etc.

Trinity Leeds—Leeds biggest and newest shopping centre with 120 shops, bars, restaurants

and cinema, sitting at the centre of the city.

Leeds Corn Exchange—just one of three Corn Exchanges in the country still operating as a

centre for trade by housing independent retailers.

Kirkgate Market—celebrated as the largest indoor market in Europe, it’s array of traders

and products that set it apart as a truly unique shopping experience. The market is where

Michael Marks first opened his Penny Bazaar (1884) which was to lead, ultimately, to the

foundation of Marks & Spencer, in 1890.

.

Leeds Market and Trinity Centre

Leeds Waterfront

Festival

Chinese New Year

being celebrated in

Homeless in Leeds Centre and below the

voucher system run by St George’s Crypt

Victoria Shopping Arcade


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2.0 Overview of the City of Leeds and the Region (cont’d)

Leeds has a vibrant cultural life with:

The Grand Theatre and Opera House—designed by James R Watson and opened in 1878

The West Yorkshire Playhouse attracting national productions—”the WYP stages more

productions each year than any other theatre outside London”

Northern Ballet– “some of the most important events of 2015 will take place outside the

capital, courtesy of Northern Ballet”, Debra Craine, (The Times)

Leeds ‘First Direct’ Arena hosting international artists from music and comedy

The Royal Armouries housing part of the Imperial War Museum collection

The Henry Moore Institute featuring art of renown and work from emerging artists

Leeds City Art Gallery—”has the best collection of 20th century British art outside

London" (The Times).

The city is renowned for its thriving nightlife, with a club scene to beat any in the north, as well

as numerous bars and restaurants drawing many into the city from throughout the region and

beyond.

Leeds is also the home of some famous sporting venues for sports lovers:

Headingley Cricket Ground, home of Yorkshire Cricket Club.

Headingley Carnegie Stadium, home of Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Tykes.

Elland Road, home of Leeds United Football Club formed in 1885 by Leonard Cooper.

Leeds is also one of the greenest cities in Britain, with a large number of parks and open

spaces, notably Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam as well as easy access to the countryside.

Lotherton Hall and Harewood House are also near by. Leeds is served by an international

airport and good rail and bus links, making it a good base as well as a popular destination.

Leeds is the home of the

‘Best Tall Building in the

World’ (Council for Tall

Buildings and Urban Habitat

Awards 2010). Broadcasting

Place, Woodhouse Lane, won

the accolade after previously

being voted the ‘Best Tall

Building in Europe’

Leeds annual Light Night

Festival 2014

Leeds First Direct Arena

Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien was a lecturer

at Leeds University.


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3.0 The Parish of Leeds City

The Parish covers the eastern part of the city centre, which contains the heart of the retail and

leisure facilities already outlined. A further new retail development close to the bus and coach

station called the Victoria Gate, looks set to bring even more people into the heart of the Parish. This

retails development will house the prestigious John Lewis store.

Whilst much of the Parish comprises retail facilities, there is some residential accommodation

amongst the many hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants with a number of riverside warehouse

conversions near the Minster.

Within the boundary of the Leeds City Parish, there are three beautiful historic Churches - Leeds

Minster, St John’s, New Briggate and Holy Trinity, Boar Lane, are home to active worship

communities, the Church of St John the Evangelist is only occasionally used by the parish for services

and concerts and is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. Our only responsibility is for the

insurance premium covering the church yard.

By way of sharp contrast, Lincoln Green is classified as an area of urban deprivation. It sits on the

eastern side of the parish and has a diverse and transient population. The area is served by St Mary’s

Church whose congregation meets in St Peter’s C of E (Aided) Primary School.

This eastern side of the parish also includes St James’s Hospital or ‘Jimmy’s’ as it is known by many. It

featured in the television series of the same name. It is the largest teaching hospital in Europe and

regional centre for Oncology; it also houses Thackray Medical Museum.

Members of our congregations, who live in the Parish, worship alongside others who travel in from

all over the City and beyond. The congregations reflect many aspects of the diversity of the

population of the City of Leeds and its travel to work area.

They’re reminders of youth but they’re

also a part of Leeds’ illustrious history.

Jelly Tots were invented by accident as

Horsforth lad Brian Boffey messed about

with ways to produce powdered jelly.

An artist’s impression of the new Victoria Gate

shopping development

Leeds Minster

Holy Trinity Church,

Boar Lane St John the Evangelist


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3.0 The Parish of Leeds City—Map of the Parish


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3.0 The Parish of Leeds City—General Information

Where to locate more information about the City of Leeds and the Region:

Census 2011

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/LEH%2007%20Inequality%20to%20inclusion.pdf

Where to find more information regarding the Parish of Leeds City:

www.westyorkshiredales.anglican.org

The Leeds Initiative by 2030 document quotes the City’s vision as:

“...that Leeds will be locally and internationally recognised as the

best city in the UK”

And the City Priority Plan—Best City states:

i) The Best city for health and wellbeing;

ii) The Best city for children and young people

iii) The Best city of business

iv) The Best city for communities

...and to live in

The Parish Community:

Population (Census 2011) 5,800

Owner occupied housing 450

Private rented housing 1850

Social rented Housing 1100

Household composition [one family] 29%

Household composition [other households] 14%

Household composition [one person] 57%

General Proportion of the population aged 60+ in receipt of part of pension credit 42%

General Percentage of children under 16 in poverty 29%

Diversity ethnicity, predominantly (Parish Minority Ethnic 49%)

White British 62%

Mixed/Multiple ethnic group 5%

Asian / Asian British 14%

Black or Black British 12%

Other ethnic group 7%

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/LEH%2007%20Inequality%20to%20inclusion.pdf


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3.0 The Parish of Leeds City—OUR Vision

In the light of our opportunities for mission and the challenges we clearly face, we have adopted four values – Prayer, Mission, Service and Hospitality.

Our vision is through these four values, to proclaim the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ in all we say and do. We aim to fulfil our vision by:

At the heart of all this are our praying congregations...

Our aim is that we deepen our faith and put it into practice by our actions and generosity—this can already be seen in the regular prayer and

nurture taking place at the Minster and Holy Trinity.

Our welcome to all who come and our engagement with the City alike speak of our faith in Christ crucified and risen, and are to be owned by all

in our congregations.

Hosting, Music, Celebrating, Partnering...

Are just four areas we can build on to become a significant integral part of the vibrant city of Leeds, contributing to its cohesion and speaking

out on Christian values.

This is a heady vision—but it is based on sufficient evidence of growth to give confidence that it can become reality.

PRAYER Offering up the very best of Christian worship and putting God first in our life of discipleship

Celebrating the English Sacred Choral Tradition as one of the key features of how we seek to structure our approach within the

mainstream of the ongoing Anglican tradition

MISSION Committing ourselves to building relationships and ecumenical partnerships, in the Parish, in the City and the Diocese

Becoming a visible community, and being the Body of Christ at the heart of the City

SERVICE Serving our local community and the wider City both through our life of prayer and also in practical outreach and pastoral care

HOSPITALITY Offering a generous welcome and gracious hospitality to everyone

Offering a varied and inclusive ministry for people of all ages and all walks of life

Parish Vision as it relates to the City:


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4.0 Welcome to our Worshipping Communities

Leeds Minster

.Leeds Minster was dedicated in 1841 as St Peter-at-Leeds, by the Vicar of Leeds, Dr

Walter Farquhar Hook. His vision was that the Church should be for all people, not just

the wealthy few. It soon became known as Leeds Parish Church thus signifying its

central position as the spiritual heart of the City and embracing both the Catholic and

Reformed strands of Anglican spirituality. The building is on the site of much older

places of worship known to date back to Saxon times, and the 10th century cross

remains from this earlier period. We continue to honour Dean Hook’s vision for a church

that is inclusive and in the mainstream of Anglicanism.

In September 2012 a large congregation met for the re-dedication and Minster Making

Service. This was in response to the developing vision of a church connecting the City in

both unique and diverse ways, through the ministries of Prayer, Mission, Service and

Hospitality. Leeds Minster is regarded as the Civic Church and hosts an increasing

number of services for the City such as Oakleaf Remembrance Service, WW1 Vigil and

Leeds Rhinos Celebration Service. It is to the Minster that the City turns on occasions of

national commemoration and celebration and where civic leaders, leaders of other

denominations and faiths gather. Young people from our schools also come together

through events such as the Year 6 Leaver’s service and Abbey Grange C/E Academy Carol

Service.

The Leeds Minster Society of Change Ringers was re-founded in July 1998 under its old

name of 'St Peter's Society of Change Ringers'. The name dates back to the eighteenth

century. It adopted its present name at its AGM in 2012, a few weeks after the Parish

Church became Leeds Minster. The present company of ringers undertakes a busy

schedule—this includes the two principal Sunday Services, services on mid-week festivals

and Holy Days, and the Thursday practice night, which can involve almost thirty people

week by week. Our standard 12-bell fare includes Plain Bob, Grandsire & Stedman

Minster Making Service 2012

Leeds Minster Society of Change Ringers

150 Celebration Service

held at the Minster


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Leeds Minster (cont’d)

The Minster is proud of its sacred choral tradition. As well as Choral Eucharist and Choral

Evensong on Sundays, a full range of choral services is maintained throughout the week. This

is supplemented with regular concerts and performances in the Minster and elsewhere by

the choir, the Director of Music and sub-organist as well the chamber choir— St Peter’s

Singers. The music is supported by a strong and financially independent Choral Foundation

and Friends of the Music which facilitates the maintenance of services as well as outreach

work in local primary schools. These opportunities for young people from some of the more

challenging areas of our city to be part of both girls’ and boys’ choirs can be life changing.

The worship is enhanced by the excellent Leeds Minster Change Ringers who continue to call

people to worship on a weekly basis.

An Education Officer facilitates schools work with both primary and secondary schools as

they visit the Minster. This has meant that we are starting to see an increase in school visits

from schools from across the city and beyond. The Minster recently hosted part of the

Cathedrals Plus Group—this is a network is for all those engaged in welcoming visitors to

places of Christian worship. The two main strands are those responsible for visitor care and

marketing and those responsible for education.

One of our proudest traditions is that Leeds Minster’s doors are open every day (except Bank

Holidays) to welcome the people of Leeds and beyond, in whatever capacity they come.

Some come for daily prayer services or for chaplaincy; others receive hospitality in the café

in what is effectively an outreach to tourists. This is an area of potential growth as the

developments around the Minster take shape, especially Victoria Gate which will house the

new John Lewis store. There is help too for those in need, as we continue to demonstrate

social responsibility to those who come through our doors. Many come out of curiosity and

many are visitors to the City. They wonder at the marvellous building and often comment on

the welcome they receive.

Choristers pancake races

An Emmerdale Cast Memorial Service

An Ecumenical service at

the Minster

Anathema concert—an atmospheric rock band


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4.0 Welcome to our Worshipping Communities—Leeds Minster (cont’d)

ATTENDANCE NUMBERS AT SPECIAL EVENTS

2011 2012 2013 2014

Oakleaf Service 170 113 115 159

Advent Carols 52 151 125 103

Addleshaw Goddard 176 283 300

Age UK 176 260

Childline 198

St Peter's School Carols 235 245 230

Carols for a Choral Future 380 350 350 200

YEP Carols 800

Epilepsy Action 315

CRS Funeral Care Carols 120 106 73 136

Eucharist with Nativity 68 64 60

Nine Lessons and Carols Service 250 198 174 220

Christmas Eve Crib Service 93 72 61 48

Christmas Eve Choral Evensong 104 54 90 70

Midnight Mass 211 220 204 189

Christmas Day 9.15 32 36 38 51

Christmas Day 10.30 121 112 186 74

Epiphany Eucharist 73 88 50 51

Epiphany Carols 91 73 72

Ash Wednesday 47 67 55 66

Palm Sunday 105 87 68 76

Maundy Thursday 53

Good Friday 60 70 66 54

Holy Saturday 42 51 56 51

Easter Eucharist 147 224 142 148

ATTENDANCE NUMBERS AT SPECIAL EVENTS

2011 2012 2013 2014

Ascension Day 52 19 57 37

Mothers Union Service 114 94 106 307

Friends of the Music Service 108 64 140

Remembrance Sunday 275 359 314 315

Breast Cancer Haven Carols 212 205

Rotary Carols 105

Robert Ogden Carols 398 300

Abbey Grange Carols 1194 1400

Mandela Tribute Service 431

Royal Society of St George 400

Leeds Assoc of Engineers 71

Leeds Church Extension Soc-150 91

5th Royal Tank Reg Standard Blessing 53

British Legion D Day 70th Anniversary 200

Leeds Church Schools Leavers Service 180

Welcome Service - Bishop of Leeds 215

WW1 Commemoration 659

Bligny Commemoration 172

WW1 Vigil service 105

Rugby 150 Service 274

Cursillo Ultreya 100


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EVENTS 2014

An overview of the variety and type of events that take place at the Minster in a year in addition to the regular services etc.

Girls’ choir Festival in Ripon

Spring serenade concert

Kings’ Men Concert

Bach B minor Mass

Battle of the Organs

Royal Society of St George Service

British Legion Service

WW1 Commemoration

Welcome for the Bishop of Leeds

Hope and Glory dinner with Carol Ann Duffy

Celebration for the Retirement of Canon Tony Bundock

Christmas carol services

Note:

These are the regular governance meetings held within the

Parish:

Parochial Church Council & Standing Committee

Minster Council

Wardens & General Purposes Meeting

Finance & Fabric Committee

Mission Committee

Fundraising Group


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Engagement with the City:

Historically Leeds Minster has always had this connection with businesses and other institutions, that celebrate key occasions at the Minster.

Now is the time to build on these business connections and strength our links with the city.

The acoustic rock band Anathema recently staged a concert at the Minster. This sparked a lot of comment and appreciation in the social media

around the Minster’s willingness to try new avenues of musical entertainment.

There is a significant demand to use the Minster and Holy Trinity for a variety of cultural events.

Exploring what it means to be “principal church” in the Leeds Episcopal Area, one of the five Episcopal areas in the diocese:

In June we have the honour to be hosting the ordination of four priests from the area.

We have a choral tradition, (at regular worship, at Town Hall Concerts, at services for national occasions—from Remembrance to Royal Jubi-

lees, and in visiting hospitals to sing for patients), that serves the city and also resources other churches.

Feedback from business leaders and the way sports clubs, commercial organisations and charities see the Minster as an appropriate venue to

celebrate achievements and milestones, all suggest that Leeds Minster is in a position to help the City celebrate the city’s achievements and

reflect on its direction.

Leeds Minster has proved to have a wide range of contacts with the business, civic, cultural and educational communities, but especially with

Leeds City Council on national occasions, with schools through our Education Office, with other parishes through musical resources etc..

Engagement with other faith communities as we develop a relationship with Leeds Faiths Forum. We believe that by working in partnership

with others we can use our contacts to influence the life of this our City of Leeds.

Current priorities:

Nurture and growth of the congregation, both spiritually and numerically – already starting with Lent and now Confirmation/ Refresher courses.

A strategy for business and the wider civic community which builds on positive supportive relationships already established.

An effective Business Plan to address considerable financial challenges and manage the development of our precinct buildings.

Parish Vision as it relates to the Minster Community:


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Mission strengths we celebrate:

The commitment of members of the congregation and volunteers in the areas of mission and service.

A major city centre Grade 1 Listed building which brings in many visitors.

A daily ‘open door’ to the public (not Bank Holidays).

The maintenance of our long standing choral tradition and the high standard of sacred choral music.

An increasing number of Baptisms and Weddings; and of Funerals and Memorial Services for major city figures i.e. V Watson formally of

Waddington's, John Charles former football player etc.

Choral Foundation events and concerts.

Many Carol Services for Charitable Organisations i.e. Breast Cancer Haven; Yorkshire Post Half/Half Appeal; MacMillan Cancer Care etc. in

December 2014

Civic and Military Parade Services.

The work of the Education Officer at Leeds Minster has increased educational work through school visits and developing new work with schools.

Special events - Annual Hook Lecture organised by the Leeds Church Institute and a variety of fundraising events.

Links with other faith communities.

Ecumenical links particularly Leeds Roman Catholic Cathedral, Leeds Methodist Mission and Leeds Church Institute—links with church and city

e.g. The Good Friday Walk of Witness

Partnership with those serving the most vulnerable in the city such a Simon on the Streets (homeless) and the Market Place (13-25 year olds)

Further mission aims:

To help the voice of the Church to be heard in the city.

To fulfil our mission as the principal church of the Leeds Episcopal area.

To support other churches in their mission.

To model corporate good practice.


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Holy Trinity, Boar Lane

Holy Trinity Church is a prime example of a Georgian Church in the North of England. It is

set at the heart of the City of Leeds and is next to the thriving new retail centre - Trinity

Leeds. The removal of the pews and levelling the floor has led to Holy Trinity being used

more and more by a wide variety of organisations. We are engaging in a review as to how

such diverse groups work together.

On Sundays, the Riverside Church community meets in the Church. It holds a Bishop’s

Mission Order and is led by a Pioneer Minister and Curate. This complements midweek

Eucharist on Tuesdays and Fridays which are led by members of the Parish team and by

Riverside clergy. There is also regular prayer ministry in the church, led by members of

Riverside Church.

The arts@trinity organisation has developed from historic arts chaplaincy work at the

church into a growing arts organisation running a diverse programme and also hosting

artists in residence. One of the principle aims is to develop the musical talent of young

people.

Holy Trinity is also the base for the ‘Street Angels’ which reaches out with a Christian

presence to the nightlife of the city.

Holy Trinity Church as seen

through the Trinity Centre

Street Angels at Leeds Festival


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Holy Trinity, Boar Lane (cont’d)

A new venture, Trinity Club Leeds, has opened recently with the aim of bringing together

the church and business communities and is seen as one of the key supporting features

for the Parish business plan. There is a café in the church hall staffed by ‘Nurture’ - the

catering arm of the homeless charity, St George’s Crypt.

Other community organisations use the various rooms within the building for a range of

support and outreach activities, from a choir for those recovering from strokes to a

monthly meeting of members of the deaf community with the chaplains for the deaf.

The holy Trinity Repair Fund has an estimated capital of £300,000 which supports the

fabric of the church. The Fund has it’s own Board of Trustees, appointed by the PCC. On

a practical level the Fund pays the annual insurance premium, and utilities bills for the

upstairs part of Holy Trinity.

We have formal agreements in place with Nurture (café) and Trinity Business Club.

There is no current formal agreement either with the Street Angels or arts@trinity but

both are under the oversight of the PCC.

The Lay Minister has Line Manager responsibility for Katie Water (Street Angels

Coordinator) and also chairs the arts@trinity Board of Trustees.

Café Nurture


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Those engaged in radical new forms of mission:

The pioneering Riverside congregation began by simply hiring Holy Trinity as a place to meet. A number of recent meetings have shown the great

potential of bringing together the Minster and Riverside communities as complementary arms of mission.

At Holy Trinity there is already exciting and challenging collaborative working with the community i.e. arts@trinity, Trinity Business Club, Street

Angels and Café Nurture.

Mission strengths we celebrate:

The number of partners committed to working in mission and service operating out of the church;

1) The growth and establishment of Riverside Church community.

2) Street Angels ministry based at Holy Trinity and line managed by the Parish.

3) arts@trinity] with a growing programme of events, a community outreach programme and a commitment to the development of

young artists.

4) Partnership with Nurture to provide hospitality and catering.

5) The establishment of Trinity Leeds Club bringing together the Church and Business Communities (75 members).

Development of the weekday prayer meeting

The diversity of events bringing increasing numbers of people into the church.

Grade 1 Listed building in a key location next to Trinity Leeds retail centre.

The flexibility of the building.

Parish Vision as it relates to the Holy Trinity Community:

4.0 Welcome to our Worshipping Communities— Holy Trinity, Boar Lane (cont’d)


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Current priorities:

To work with Riverside Church on partnership in mission, and governance framework, in which this mission takes place.

Continue the growth of arts@trinity to become financially independent within a framework of developing spiritually.

Work in partnership Riverside to develop chaplaincy with a particular focus on the retail centre, Holy Trinity Leeds which encompasses Trinity

Church.

Establish a clear and effective management framework for running the building for all users, whilst allowing the work of Holy Trinity Church and

Riverside to develop and grow.


To focus on creating a more clearly defined role for Holy Trinity, to live out the gospel in the heart of the city.

Parish Vision as it relates to the Holy Trinity Community:

4.0 Welcome to our Worshipping Communities— Holy Trinity, Boar Lane (cont’d)


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St Mary’s Church congregation meet in St Peter’s C of E (Aided) Primary School, located

in Lincoln Green, one of the most deprived areas of the city. At present the small

congregation meet on a weekly basis, although this is currently under review.

One Sunday in each month, a Fresh Expressions ‘Café Church’ is held. It attracts a

congregation of both parents and children from the school and complements the

‘Wednesday Worship,’ which is held for parents and school pupils on a regular basis.

By meeting in the building the Church benefits from the close links it has with the School.

St Mary’s Centre, a shop unit in Lincoln Green, provides for the local community:

A weekly drop-in with advice on benefits and other matters

A place where the community can meet

A soon to be opened Job Club staffed by members of the Parish congregations

Co-ordination of East Leeds Food Bank in partnership with Bridge Street

Pentecostal Church

As such, the centre provides a focus for community-based work and an opportunity to

work in partnership with other churches, particularly Bridge Street Pentecostal Church

with the food bank, and agencies such as Christians Against Poverty with the Job Club.


St Mary’s Church and Lincoln Green

Pupils and teachers at St Peter’s

School

The shopping centre where the

St Mary’s Drop-in is situated


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We serve some of the most deprived people, through our church of St Mary’s based in St Peter’s School in the Lincoln Green area:

Currently the Parish of Leeds City exercises a regular chaplaincy role at St Peter’s (CofE) Primary School.

There is regular worship at St Mary’s, which transferred into the school when the church and church hall buildings ceased to be usable.

There is a very encouraging growing attendance at the monthly Café Church.

St Mary’s run a Drop in Centre in the nearby Lincoln Green shopping centre, featuring benefit sign posting and a shortly to be commissioned

outlet for a Job Club.

Strengths we celebrate:

Our work with St Peter’s Primary school through chaplaincy, music and Fresh Expressions initiatives such as Café Church & Wednesday Worship.

The commitment to partnership working within the Lincoln Green area.

St Mary’s Centre which acts as a Drop-in Centre and an outlet for the East Leeds Food Bank.

Funding from the Community Plus for joint working on advocacy.

Links with the local Bridge Street Pentecostal Church

Current priorities:

Connect with St Peter’s parents and children in a more effective way to be able to draw them further in to the worshipping community

Work with residents of the area of Lincoln Green to respond to their specific priorities to establish means of assistance and support


Develop Café Church to involve more families.

Establish a Job Club at St Mary’s Centre.

Parish Vision as it relates to St Mary’s Church and Lincoln Green Community:

4.0 Welcome to our Worshipping Communities— St Mary’s Church and Lincoln Green (cont’d)


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4.0 Welcome to our Worshipping Communities— Organisations connected with the Minster and the Parish

Historically the position of Rector of Leeds has attached to it a number of responsibilities other than incumbent of the Parish of Leeds City. The main roles have

been outlined below:

4.1 Market Place (Ex-officio Chair)

The Market Place project for young people has been established in Leeds since 1989, out of the original Leeds & District Boys Club. It is a

respected provider of young people’s counselling. The organisation is ‘young person centred’, which means that we do not give advice or tell

someone what to do, but rather offer support and space for young people to work through their issues, at their pace, in their way/s. We believe

young people are the experts in their own lives. Some young people may need specific information and call into Drop In once or occasionally.

Some access the Drop In regularly for support over several weeks or months. The Counselling and other One to One support services are offered

for up to 12 months at a time, and young people are encouraged to refer themselves. The emphasis in both Drop In and One to One support is

that of choice, informality and flexibility

4.2 Leeds Church Institute was founded in 1857 by the Vicar of Leeds, Dr Walter Hook (Ex-officio President)

Victorian Leeds was a place of considerable contrast between industrial affluence and urban poverty. LCI for some time flourished as a place of

lively debate at the interface between the church and contemporary society, as a library resource for members, and a place of learning for young

people. In the last 20 years, LCI has become ecumenical. It has worked with and alongside other faith communities, to develop community

cohesion and social justice. In the last 5 years this work has informed our more educationally focussed development plan.

4.3 Leeds Churches Extension Society (Ex-officio President)

During the nineteenth century the city of Leeds, like many other northern industrial towns, began to expand in population and industry. New

urban areas were developed and filled largely with back-to-back houses. Many of the new areas were not served by the Church of England. Little

progress was made in the newly developed urban areas until Dr W. F. Hook came as Vicar of Leeds in 1837. He quickly set about rebuilding the

Parish Church (now Leeds Minster), which was re-opened in 1841, and then dividing up the extensive Parish of Leeds into separate parishes,

each with its church, vicarage and school. Churches were now being built to serve the suburbs and new Corporation estates as they were devel-

oped, but it was concluded that the promotion of church building had become primarily the concern of the diocese, and that the Society could

serve the Church best by concentrating on the maintaining and improving of existing church plant. This remains its primary concern today.


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Historically the position of Rector of Leeds has attached to it a number of responsibilities other than incumbent of the Parish of Leeds City. The main roles have

been outlined below:

4.4 St Peter’s C of E (Voluntary Aided) Primary School (Ex-officio Board Member)

St Peter’s School is located in Lincoln Green, and the motto of the school is simply ‘We Care’. The current Headteacher us Mrs E J Holliday BA

NPQH and she has commented, “I believe very strongly that the education is a partnership between children, teachers and parents. If we work

together, the most important part of the partnership will benefit the most—the children. St Peter’s serves an inner city are of Leeds where the

majority of its 242 pupils come from a range of ethnic minority backgrounds.

There are currently 21 different languages spoken by pupils from different cultural backgrounds. The area is one of high deprivation with 33% of pupils eligible for free school meals and the number of pupils with learning difficulties is above average. The National Society Statutory Inspec-tion of Anglican Schools Report comments, “The strong ethos of care and respect, underpinned by Christian values in all areas of the school life and the school is fully inclusive. The school benefits from high levels of meaningful involvement with the local community , including Leeds Min-ster and St Mary’s Church, which uses the school hall for their Sunday worship.”

4.5 Friends of the Music

In common with most English cathedrals and greater churches, Leeds Minster maintains weekday as well as Sunday choral services. This is a tra-dition in Leeds that dates back over a century and a half. The choir exists without the advantages of a resident chorister school, and music in the church benefits from one of the finest organs in the country. The Friends of the Music of Leeds Minster was founded in 1951 specifically to assist with the provision of music as a resource for worship, the presentation of concerts and other and the presentation of concerts and other musical activities. It is a separately registered charity no. 1055944. Individual Friends of the Music provide invaluable support, in addition to grants from charities and trusts – notably the Pilling and Ouseley Trusts, Wade’s Charity and the Friends of Cathedral Music.


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4.5 Education Officer The role of Education Officer was a post created in January 2014. To date the work has included:

Schools – Visited a number of both primary and high schools, and explored pupil visits to the Minster looking at a variety of curriculum links.

Met with Leeds Faith in Schools and subsequent delivery of an RE lesson to a Year 7 class based on information leaflet for schools about vis-

iting Leeds Minster.

Visits - Hosted 19 students from Trinity University with their tutor; a workshop afternoon for 30 year 4 pupils on crosses from around world; a

visit 46 year 4 pupils; a visit for 30 year 6 pupils; a visit for 30 year 2 pupils.

Support Team - Have met with the church historian / archivist and identified useful resources, also established a small group of people who

are able to help with school visits. Following each visit I have spent time with the volunteers who have been involved to reflect on and learn

from the different experiences of the school visit.

Diocesan – Had involvement with Diocesan Education Team, in planning the Diocesan Year 6 Leaver’s Service and hosted a cluster meeting for

Heads and RE co-ordinators, and met with the Diocesan Children’s Advisor.

Cathedrals and Greater Churches - Visited Wakefield and Bradford Cathedrals, and met Education Officers with a view to developing links

with the Education Team at York Minster. Hosted Cathedrals Plus Network of Northern Cathedrals, Training Day on using artefacts and

monuments as educational resources for different key stages/ age groups at Newcastle Cathedral – Wednesday February 19th 2014 Cathedrals

Plus Training Day on the implications of the new National Curriculum at St Pauls’ Cathedral – Monday 3rd March 2014

4.6 Other Responsibilities

The Rector of Leeds is Patron to 12 Parishes in the City of Leeds

Chair of the Harrison’s Charity Leeds City Centre and member of school governing bodies

A role in a wide variety of civic events, as part of the civic and wider role associated with the post

Ongoing liaison with; The lord Lieutenant; The High Sherriff; The Lord Mayor of Leeds and their officers

The Rector is Chaplain to four military associations, and has a ongoing relationship with many others, often involving the Minster in hosting

regular services


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4.0 Welcome to our Worshipping Communities— Statistics

Additional

Serving the Community:

Incumbent (Interim Priest in charge) 1 Education Officer (part-time post funded externally) 1

Lay Minister (Lay Reader) 1 Street Angels Co-ordinator (part-time post funded externally) 1

Licensed Readers 1 Minster Thursday Chaplaincy Team 4

Parish Wardens 2 Head Verger (full-time paid) x 1 voluntary Assistant Verger x 1 2

Deputy Wardens 8 Finance Co-ordinator (paid part-time) 1

Lay Administrants 12 Cleaners (part-time) 2

Servers 5 Administrative support - (voluntary) 1

Intercessors 4 Refectory Team (voluntary) 4

Choir (Master of Music / Sub-organist - part-time paid) 2 Stewards / Minster Watch (*) 20

Choristers (boys) 11 Honorary Treasurer 1

Choristers (girls) 12

Choirmen 11

(*) This is the Team of volunteers that not only look after the church when required but also cover the many special services and events held at the Minster

The Parish Worshipping Community:

Number on the electoral roll 112 Baptism 12

Mini Minster 0 Confirmation (**) 8

Easter Communicants 2014 192 Weddings 12

Easter Services / Vigil 2014 246 Funerals in church 3

Christmas Communicants 2014 334

Christmas Services 2014 486

Attendees at Advent Special services (congregation/community) 2795

Attendees at Advent Special services (civic or school) 1660

Usual Sunday Service attendees (over 16 years old) 125

Usual Sunday Service attendees (under 16 years old) 15 (**) We admit children before confirmation from ages 9-12


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5.0 A View from the Interim Priest I was seconded to Leeds Minster in November last year, to “hold” the Minster during the vacan-cy . Nothing can prepare you for the impact of Victorian Gothic splendour, the beauty of the cho-ral music, the steady stream of carol services and other celebrations for Businesses, Charities, Schools and sporting organizations. If this impact was great, so also the problems came on a great scale: historic share running at £310,000, the need for annual income to be increased by £150,000. Put together the impact of major centre of worship in one of the largest, wealthiest and most vi-tal cities in the country, and the impact of major financial challenge, and it did not take the PCC long to realise that it should be seeing that its income could be vastly helped by working with the City. Working with the City meant having something to offer to the City – Corporate Social Responsibil-ity openings, Inter faith connections in a multicultural community, Recognition of firms for work-ing with the community, a Building with potential as a venue for conferences and exhibitions, a Place of welcome and hospitality complementing the about to be restored Kirkgate, a Player in the tourism trade in Leeds. Suddenly we were thinking of Mission, and the exceptional opportu-nities for it; we were realising that historically Leeds Minster had a vibrant relationship with the City of Leeds, which could be renewed now in the 21st Century. We are developing partnerships with City firms, the university, cultural organizations; and with the parishes of the Episcopal Area which we can resource through CSR links, and through oppor-tunities for them to share in the Minster what they are celebrating and achieving. In the months since November the Friends of the Music released £310,000 to pay the historic

share as it stood in 2014; a Business Plan to raise the £150,000 per year has gone into its first

draft, looking not just at money but at opportunities for imaginative mission. The potential has

been recognised for a partnership between a city-facing Minster and the pioneering Riverside

church at Holy Trinity. We are a church invigorated by a new sense of purpose and direction, at

the same time only too aware of how much needs to be worked out still. City of Leeds Coat of Arms 1660 in the Refectory

The famous Leeds

Cross is one of the

earliest objects

from the city’s past


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5.0 A View from the Interim Priest (cont’d) Alongside this large scale work, we have begun a nurture group, meeting first after the morning services in Lent , and now again for a course for Confirmation which includes people refreshing their faith or enquiring. There is a real sense of enquiry and spiritual searching and sharing. What this represents is a move within the congregation to deepen faith which informs our work reaching to the City. These are the areas I have been involved in particularly, the top priorities which have needed addressing urgently. This experience has served to radically confirm my belief that the home of the church is in the world, as it serves, celebrates and communicates. The more I see the church being in the world, the more I see people’s spiritual hunger and the need for the Body of Christ to be at the heart of the Minster which serves the City along with Holy Trinity and St Mary’s. For me, to work in the parish church to the City is an exciting ministry which cannot be bettered. I meet challenges and opportunities and every extreme of life, on a grand scale. At the same time, just as in every parish in which I have served – Council Estates and Market Towns as well as a Team Ministry in a parish of 32,000 in Leeds – I find that this work cannot be done without heartfelt love for those I serve, or without faith that throws itself upon God. Canon Charles Dobbin MBE - June 2015

Jacob’s Ladder window designed by Sally Scott

Fine colourful mosaics in the chancel by

Salviati.

They represent the Twelve Apostles with

St Paul and St Barnabas


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6.0 Challenges we face PARISH FINANCIAL STABILITY:

Parish Consolidated Account YE 2014

The following is an extract from the 2014 accounts:

There is a real need to raise an additional £150,000 per annum to meet the growing mission and needs of the Parish and ensure that we are

fully committed to paying our Parish Share in full.

Total income on unrestricted general funds were £205,938, (2013: £203,356) and are detailed in the financial statements. The largest element

is the voluntary income at £117,535 (2013: £133,739) which includes total voluntary giving of £73,701 and grants and donations of £43,834.

Activities for generating funds raised £88,304 (2013: £69,503), which includes £16,751 for car parking rents and £16,943 for the operation of

the St Peter's refectory.

Total expenditure from the general funds was £213,240 (2013: £215,533) again detailed in the accounts, to give a net result for the year on un-

restricted funds of a deficit of £7,157 (2013: deficit £10,596) after taking into account gains on investment revaluations of £145, (2013: £1,581)

Some £191,777 (2013 £ 207,202) was expended in providing the Christian ministry and maintaining our churches, including the contribution to

the diocesan parish share of £12,500 (2013: £34,000) which fell short of our required contribution for the Parish by £41,662 bringing the

cumulative outstanding parish share to £349,248(*).

Total funds at 31 December 2014 were £920,432 of which £841,599 were unrestricted. The restricted funds at 31 December 2014 were £78,833.

The Parish’s Independent Examiner made this comment “the financial position of the Minster remains of significant concern. The PCC are aware of

the position and are pursuing other sources of income”.

(*) Parish Share—the figure above reflects the position of our Parish Share at the YE 2014. As already mentioned on page 28, a request was made

to the Friends of the Music for support in clearing the share debt. The Friends of the Music, (following a vote of their members), very graciously

gave the sum of £310,000 to help clear the historic share. The current position is that the £55,110 share for 2015 has been paid and the residue

used to pay a major chunk off our historic share, which now stands at £94,358

Choir Account (included in the Consolidated Accounts)

It should be noted that the Minster Choir is managed separately to the Minster funds, and has its own Treasurer. As the Choir is part of the

Minster’s activities, there is a requirement for the financial details to be included as part of the Annual Consolidated accounts of the Parish. The

Choir relies on Grants, donations and fundraising to produce income to maintain the choral tradition of the Minster. The Friends of the Music

are one of the main contributors to the choir account.


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6.0 Challenges we face (cont’d) PARISH CAPACITY:

There is a need for greater resources of people, time and finance, especially in the areas of:

Outreach to the City,

Nurture,

Work with children and young people

Follow-up of those people who come to the Minster, especially with the increased engagement with the City and use of the Minster in-

creasing as envisaged in the Business Plan

Administrative paid staff to cover both the Minster and Holy Trinity

PARISH GOVERNANCE:

A Minster Council has recently been formed to help us engage more affectively with the business life of the City and advise in a number of areas.

The result has been the building up of contacts in the commercial and cultural sectors. These are enabling us to develop a Business Plan which has

Leeds Minster contributing strongly to the life of Leeds, and in turn attracting investment from Leeds commercial sector.

There is a need for clearer management structures and for improvement of role definition of salaried and voluntary staff. A start is being made in

this under the leadership of a volunteer administrator.

PARISH WORSHIP:

The Bishop has made clear his view that the Minster needs to explore alternative styles of worship to supplement the existing choral tradition,

with the aim of reaching to a wider range of people.


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7.0 Who we seek? What do we offer?

We are looking for a priest:

Who has a heart for engagement with the City of Leeds

A heart for people and for God

A priest who is clearly articulate and can convey the congregation’s vision for mission

A priest with clear sighted focus, that manages the complexities of ministry and management in the City Parish

A person who will inspire and enable the congregation in the work of Prayer, Mission, Service, Hospitality in this vibrant, exciting and challenging

city

An individual who will recognise the “Principal Church” in the Leeds Episcopal Area, the Minster, works closely with the Bishop and as partner with

the other parishes in the area

A priest who will enjoy and love the ‘grand style’ of the Minster but wear it lightly

The priest will need to be indefatigable, think theologically, pray deeply and live joyfully

We will support the successful candidate with:

Our love, prayers and willingness to learn from each other

The commitment of lay people who will work with you and respect your time off; retreats; day off; holidays and in-service training

A choice of locations either a flat in the new development or a home in Roundhay

Full remuneration of your expenses


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In Summary...

† We engage with the City and with the parishes of the Leeds Episcopal Area

† We draw together three church communities with three very different ways of being Christian

† In doing these things we are finding there is a great potential to be, even more, the church in the community, bringing together traditional and

pioneering ways of being church

† With the new kinds of relationship this involves, we find that we are re-imagining what it is to be church

Thank you for reading the document, and we hope it has been helpful.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Archdeacon’s office.


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Appendix I—The Business Plan

"The Business Plan is in its first draft, which is about to be discussed in the PCC's Business Plan Group. It covers the theological and social rationale of the

Minster's engagement with the City, and a Growth Strategy to implement it. It will work in conjunction with a Stewardship Campaign which will be expanded

to approach donors connected to the Minster in the City and in the surrounding area. By linking the Plan with the congregation in this way, we aim to use it to

help achieve ownership of the Plan by the congregation."

Appendix II—Consolidated The Business Plan

If you would like a full copy of the consolidated accounts for the Parish of Leeds City for the year ended 31 December 2014 then ask the Archdeacon’s office

and a copy will be sent to you.

The Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales - Leeds Minster Profile 2015.pdf · Leeds Minster...

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Transcript of The Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales - Leeds Minster Profile 2015.pdf · Leeds Minster...