Executive Summary
Mission statement
We believe that the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Godmanchester exists to build up the individual and corporate spiritual life of our church and to spread the love of Christ through word and deed, by enabling those who live and work within our town to come into contact with God’s love and come to faith in Christ.
The Town
- Historic town, population of 6000, separated from Huntingdon by river Great Ouse.
- Approximately 20 miles from Cambridge, Bedford and Peterborough.
- Good road, rail and air links, London 50 minutes, Stansted 40 miles.
- Despite recent growth it has retained a picturesque village atmosphere.
- Good links with Town Council.
The Church
- Located in the centre of the old town.
- Grade ll* listed building, of medieval, Gothic and Early English styles, which seats 350 people.
- Well maintained. Since 1994 major works on the organ, the heating, the roof, a stone platform in the nave and the nave lighting.
- Last quinquennial inspection in 2002. All recommendations completed or in hand.
- Plans in hand for new development at the back of the church to meet future needs.
The Vicarage
- Situated in its own grounds (0.75 acres) adjacent to the church.
- Built in 1926, 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, one bathroom and a downstairs cloakroom.
- Kitchen refitted in 2001. Double glazed UPVC widows fitted in 2003.
- Right of Patronage suspended for 5 years during which a priest-in-charge will be appointed.
The Church Hall
- Adjacent to vicarage garden but owned by the PCC.
- Well maintained wooden structure, funded by proceeds from a children’s nursery.
The Churchyard
- Closed in 1959 by an Order in Council.
- In good order – responsibility of the Town Council.
Congregation Profile
- Most are middle-class professional people. Historical average age 60 plus.
- Profile changed in recent years with last two incumbents targeting younger families.
- Opening St Anne’s Primary School in 1999 contributed significantly to the change.
Ministry
- Staff team comprises incumbent, full-time stipendiary assistant curate, retired priest, reader, a colleague returning to reader ministry, and lay pastoral co-ordinator.
- Formerly a Training parish for curates, ordinands and readers.
Lay Ministry
- Lay Pastoral Team for home visits to post-baptism families, the sick, housebound, bereaved.
- Lesson readers, servers, intercessors, musicians, bell ringers, flower guild, 10 PCC committees, St Anne’s governors, publications compilers/editors, etc.
The Wider Church
- Part of the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon and Wisbech and the Deanery of Huntingdon.
- Informal links with four other parishes – these are likely to become more formal in the future.
Ecumenical
- Strong links with other churches in the town – Baptist, Salvation Army and Society of Friends.
- Godmanchester and Huntingdon churches worship together regularly.
Worship
- Eclectic, traditional Anglican, plus styles to include all ages and stages of faith development.
- Sunday services [average attendance for three months prior to the interregnum]
- 8.00 Holy Communion (CW) [20]
- 9.45 Sung Eucharist (CW) [125 – including 100 communicants]
- 6.30 Sung Evensong (BCP) [21]
- Thursday service
- 9.45 Holy Communion (CW) [13]
- Monday to Friday services
- 7.45 Morning Prayer (CW) [1 to 6 per day]
- Monthly services
- All-Age Eucharist instead of Sung Eucharist [150]
- 11.00 “Grassroots”, after 9.45 Eucharist. A non-Eucharistic service for those with little or no church background, and for baptisms [130]
- Annual services
- Ash Wednesday, Ascension etc.
- Civic services
Music
- Music has always played an important part in the life of the parish.
- Robed choir of 25 regulars (11 Soprano/Treble, 5 Alto, 4 Tenor, 5 Bass) and 13 augmenters.
- Instrumental group for All-Age Eucharists and small band for Grassroots.
- New English Hymnal, Parish Psalter and Addison setting for Sung Eucharist.
- BBC Songs of Praise Advent 2003.
Bell Ringing
- Team of 8 regular ringers
- Members of team prominent in Huntingdon Church Bell Restoration Society.
Teaching and Education
- Teaching and education have become a major part of our ministry.
- Groups to meet the needs of all ages and stages of faith development.
- Work with the local schools, particularly St Anne’s.
Parish Social Life
- Wide variety of social / fund-raising events for all ages.
Communications
- Keeping in touch is seen as a priority.
- Parish Office manned three mornings a week.
- Weekly Newsletter, Parish News, Children’s Church Newsletter, Parish Directory.
Finance in 2004
- Income £87k, £44k from planned giving. Expenditure £75k (surplus for specific projects)
- Investments £55k.
- Parish Share £45k, paid by monthly standing order.
- Planned charitable giving £7k plus Christmas and retiring collections for specific events.
- Clergy receive monthly expenses. Vicar has part-time secretarial help and one telephone line.
