Parish of Brockenhurst (St Nicholas’ with St Saviour’s)Our Vision is to be a Beacon of Light in the New Forest. We aim to be a Christ centred community, rooted in Bible based teaching, seeking to worship and glorify Jesus, to care for each other and to bring the Good News to Brockenhurst and beyond. The Parish
Brockenhurst, which lies in the heart of the New Forest National Park between Lyndhurst and the Georgian town of Lymington, is an attractive village where animals roam freely through its streets. It is a thriving community, with a bustling village centre, and a surprisingly large range of shops, restaurants, banks, garages and hotels, thanks to our summer visitors who come to enjoy the local walking, horse riding, sailing and cycling. (Visit www.brockenhurst-newforest.org.uk) The area is generally affluent although there are cases of social and economic need. The housing stock is a mixture of Victorian houses and cottages, with modern developments and some social housing. There are several care homes in the village. The tourist industry and small businesses provide the majority of local employment. However, many travel to Southampton or London for work. Communications are excellent with main line trains to London, Southampton and Bournemouth, and easy access to two regional airports. The village has a population of over 3000 (which more than doubles during holiday periods). The age distribution is: | Under 15 | 16 -24 | 25 - 44 | 45 - 64 | 65+ | | 14% | 7% | 18% | 31% | 30% |
There is a large sixth-form college (2000+ students) with Beacon status (www.brock.ac.uk) and a C of E (Voluntary Controlled) primary school (200 pupils) (www.schools.hants.org.uk/brockenhurst-primary). There are excellent secondary schools near by in Lymington and Highcliffe. There is a distinct village character to the parish; the community spirit is strong; there are a variety of sporting facilities and a diverse range of Clubs, Associations and Societies. There are two Anglican churches in the parish - St Nicholas’ and St Saviour’s, both holding services each Sunday. St Nicholas’
The Parish Church; it is reputed to be the oldest in the New Forest and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. It is a picturesque 11th century grade II* listed building, with pew seating for 200, and eight bells in its tower which are rung regularly. The organ has recently had a £30,000 renovation and there are plans to improve the facilities - meeting rooms and an indoor W.C. There is a First World War ANZAC memorial in the churchyard and a special service of remembrance, attended by a representative of the New Zealand High Commission, is held here annually. St Saviour’s
This is the larger of the two churches and is close to the village centre. It is also Grade II listed - originally built as a private chapel, it was donated to the parish and consecrated in 1905. Following a recent internal refurbishment it presents an uncluttered simple look, with excellent lighting and acoustics. We are developing plans to update the sound/DVD projection system, and create the potential to include pod casting services on our web site. With supplementary seating the church can accommodate some 350 people. As well as regular services, it is used by the community for concerts, school events, and a children's holiday club etc. Church Hall
A Hall (built in 1987) is attached to St. Saviour’s and contains comfortable seating for 100. It is well used by numerous village organisations and groups, including a music and movement class, Brownies, weekly lunches for the elderly, CAMEO (come and meet each other - coffee and chat), the Sunday school and youth club. A DVD/video projection system and MP3 player have recently been installed. There is a well equipped kitchen providing good catering facilities. The building contains a fully equipped church office, newly renovated with networked PCs, modern desks and photocopiers and other reproduction facilities. Recent quinquennial inspections, on both of the churches and the Hall, produced satisfactory reports. The Vicarage
Built in the 1970s, the Vicarage is a well situated house with direct views over open forest, located about 1/3 mile from the village centre and St Saviour's church. It is a well maintained four bed roomed house with a bathroom and an en-suite shower-room. There is a good sized kitchen plus utility room, separate dining and sitting rooms and a large private downstairs study. Outside there is a double garage and a good sized garden. The Church Family
Our recently retired Vicar energised the parish; there has been a spirit of renewal. Evidence of this has been a releasing of the talents and skills of Lay people and their increased involvement in various forms of ministry e.g. leading worship, pastoral visitors, youth work. The electoral roll has increased in recent years as follows:. | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | 272 | 278 | 292 | 318 |
On average 220 adults attend church services and prayer meetings each week, with 30 children attending youth events. Over 1,000 attend Christmas services; some 500 attend on Easter Day. Prayer is key to our growth and we try to ensure that it underpins all we do; there are a number of prayer groups and opportunities for regular prayer ministry after main church services. There are 12 active house groups which meet regularly, and join together for a Lenten series. Social events are regularly organised e.g.: quizzes, barbecues, all aimed at building and bonding the church family. We also share a ‘parish weekend away’ with Sway (a neighbouring parish). This is arranged every two/three years; this year’s event was attended by some 120 people – both young and old. Our Services
As is to be expected in a village parish, we experience a wide range of churchmanship; our services seek to provide for the diverse needs and preferences of the respective congregations. St Nicholas’ generally has two services each Sunday, both using traditional forms of worship (BCP or similar). An 11.15am service (attended by 40+ people) alternates between Holy Communion and Matins, both served by a robed choir. A 6.30pm service, usually evening prayer (attended by 8+people). St Saviour's has a mixture of traditional and more modern services. 8.00am. Holy Communion (BCP) attended by 25 people (vestments are worn). 9.45am attended by some 100+, who enjoy an alternating mixture of informal worship and Holy Communion (CW). On the 2nd Sunday we have a fast moving ‘All Age Worship’ service, run by members of the congregation, with the support of the vicar and featuring our music group (instruments and vocalists). On the 4th Sunday we have Café church (Recently started, informal seating, discussion and feedback over coffee). On the 5th Sunday we have an informal breakfast service (usually an Iona Communion). Holy Communion (CW) is celebrated on the other Sundays, supported by a small robed choir. There is also a midweek Communion service (BCP) at St Saviour’s; attendance is up to 18 people. A copy of our Pew sheet (Spotlight), indicating the range of services, is on our website. Occasional Offices
In 2005 there were 21 baptisms, 22 weddings/blessings, and 51 funerals. The vicar is also invited to take weekly assemblies at the village school. Communion services are held monthly in the three local care homes. Children’s & Youth Work
A real strength of this parish is its relationship with the local primary school. Through active engagement by the previous incumbent, headmistress and youth worker the children have a natural sense of the Presence of God in their lives and school. The headmistress is an active Christian. School motto: “Enjoy and excel in the presence of God”. The Vicar is a Governor (ex-officio) taking an active part in the life of the school, with weekly assemblies, advising on RE, involvement in special services in St Saviour’s and wider pastoral care with children, parents and staff. Although few parents are church members the contact with them is a valuable outreach and to quote just one of the many leaving cards given to the retiring Vicar by the children: “I can remember when I first learned about God and Jesus. It was you that told me and I couldn’t have been more grateful”. Our Children & Youth worker is also engaged in the school where she regularly runs JAM (Jesus and Me) Club and periodically takes assemblies. A team of volunteers offers a range of weekly and one-off activities for the children & youth of the village. We aim to teach our young people about the Christian faith, introducing them to the person of Christ, with worship, role play, stories and creative art, appropriate to the respective age groups, Sunday School (Bright Sparks) (3-11 years), Pathfinders (11-14 years), Blaze (14-18 years). These groups meet weekly. There is also an active youth club (10-14 years) and an after school club (8-11years). Although these are independent of the church, through our involvement we give children an opportunity to explore the Christian faith. The Mothers’ Union (membership 34) supports the Parents and Toddlers Group, which meets at the church (a cup of tea and a listening ear). It also runs an under 5s service in St Saviour’s, every half term. Outreach
Through a series of events we reach out into the local community and the world beyond: - e.g. well received Alpha and Marriage courses, weekly coffee mornings, a Summer Celebration (fete) and a yearly, busy new-comers welcome evening. 12 recently commissioned Lay Visitors support the sick, bereaved and the lonely. There are also teams providing weekly lunches for the elderly, in the church Hall. A monthly magazine (produced as a service to the whole village) goes into 800 homes.
In 2005 we celebrated the centenary of St. Saviour’s, and invited the whole village to share in that celebration at various events. We have links with the diocese of Kigeme in Rwanda, (where a member of our church family is currently working) and there have been two-way exchange visits (through Deanery and local initiatives). As a result we have raised over £8,000 for their new Bible School. We also support a CMS partner working in a hospital in Uganda. Two members of the church family have served in Nigeria, running a national psychiatric service – they also helped set up a local beekeeping association! They return there in 2007. Church Leadership
We have two retired Clergy and four licensed Readers who are active in preaching and leading worship. We have a Director of Music, equally at home with traditional and newer forms of worship. We have a new Vicar. The PCC is active, comprising the Vicar, 2 Church Wardens, a Treasurer and 17 other members, of whom 5 are Deanery Synod Representatives - two serving also on the Diocesan Synod. In addition, a teenage member of the congregation serves as a co-opted member. Where possible, responsibilities are delegated to various teams: e.g. world wide mission, discipleship, stewardship, fabric and pastoral care. Since 1994 the PCC has employed a series of Children and Youth Workers. There is a part-time voluntary parish administrator and a salaried assistant – the latter is supported by a group of lay volunteers who staff the parish office. There is a Verger available for weddings and funerals, and a cleaner for each church and the Hall. Maintenance of St Nicholas’ church-yard is covered by the Church and the civic Parish Council. Parish Policies
Holy Communion: We welcome all who are members of recognised Christian churches. We offer a blessing to children and others who are not confirmed. Baptism: This is open to all in the Parish. A Baptism preparation course is run by a Lay team under the guidance of the Vicar. Baptisms normally take place during a main morning service. Marriage: The church has an orthodox view on marriage and sexuality. Couples meet with the Vicar for discussions before the banns are read. Subsequently, they are invited to attend an intensive weekend course on marriage – again involving Lay couples. For divorcees seeking marriage the Diocesan policy is followed. Other Churches
There are two other churches in the parish, a Methodist Church and St Anne’s RC Church. Together with St Luke’s (Sway) and us they are members of ‘Churches Together’. The links are strong and there is a programme of periodic shared services. We also have ecumenical links with LEAF (Local Evangelical Alliance in the Forest). The parish is part of the Lyndhurst Deanery which comprises 24 parishes and 34 churches. Under a Deanery Pastoral review, occasioned by a foreseen reduction in the number of stipendiary clergy available to the Diocese, Brockenhurst will become part of an eight-parish cluster served by 6 Stipendiary Clergy. It is envisaged that the newly formed Cluster will share ministry resources (ordained and lay). Stewardship & Accountability
Special emphasis is given to stewardship (time, talents and money) and the importance of regular and proportional giving to the church, to fund mission and ministry. Relevant extracts from our last financial statements are attached. The financial situation is healthy; the key features are: income exceeds expenditure, our parish share is paid promptly and in full and we have reserves to meet contingencies. Some 80% of covenanted giving is gift aided. As a response to God’s blessing 10% of our annual general income (plus significant additional gifts and collections at specific services) is donated to charitable activities including overseas missions. Major expenditure e.g. church refurbishment, is generally funded by special appeals, to which the parish has responded generously. Parish Needs & Key Issues
The parish needs to build on the good work already started. In a pastoral Letter to the Diocese, our Bishops have given us a vision to be a Missionary, Compassionate, Learning, Expectant, Generous community. The PCC has considered the further impact of the Bishop’s vision for each aspect of our church’s life and have identified the following key issues for action: Mission and Renewal:
Develop accessible, user-friendly ministries to strengthen our witness within the community. Leadership:
Release further talents and energy within our church; identify and nurture future leaders. Worship:
Engender, through all our forms of worship, a deeper personal understanding of the love of God and the intimacy of that relationship, Growth:
Attract more young families. We need to reach out continually to those who are unused to church. Our services need to be open and relevant if people are to engage with church. Children & Youth:
Strengthen the links with the school and the College - invigorate this ministry; consider how we meet the needs of the under 5s. Stewardship:
Encourage and foster a regular consideration of ‘Time, Talents & Money’. Develop an annual review of levels of personal commitment; consider the introduction of a covenanting event. All of the foregoing are set in the context of our church being at the centre of village life, acknowledged for our practical care and Christian love whenever members of our community are faced with personal dilemmas or emergencies. The vicar has a modest social needs fund to use at his discretion. |
