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The Warrington East Team, Warrington Deanery

Birchwood

The United Parish of Birchwood and Woolston

Woolston

Church of the Ascension Woolston (Parish Church)

Church of the Transfiguration Birchwood

Birchwood

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Our Location Traditionally part of Lancashire, the Parish of Birchwood and Woolston is now within the Unitary Authority of Warrington. Historically, Warrington was the first place that the River Mersey could be easily crossed and it still has excellent transport links by both road and rail to other parts of the country. Both Manchester International Airport and Liverpool’s John Lennon airport are less than a 30 minute drive away. Warrington is a thriving town with lower than average unemployment. With a population of over 200000 it has many shops and other facilities for sport and entertainment. The cities of Liverpool and Manchester are within easy reach and provide nearly everything else, especially if you prefer football to rugby league. For countryside pursuits, rural Cheshire, the Peak District, the Lake District, the North Wales Coast and Snowdonia are all within range for day trips.

Our Communities Our Parish is on the eastern side of Warrington and was quite rural until the late 20th century when both Woolston and Birchwood were extensively developed as part of Warrington New Town. Woolston was always a farming community while a large part of Birchwood was built on land reclaimed from a WW2 munitions factory. Many of the houses are therefore relatively modern and the new residential areas have been laid out with open spaces and many trees. Current housing development is mainly limited to fill-in schemes and although the population has grown over the years it is now relatively static at about 9500 in Woolston and 11000 in Birchwood. Our churches are also modern being built during the New Town expansion to serve the increased population. There are six primary schools within the Parish including the two Voluntary Aided CofE schools linked to our two churches. For secondary education many of our children attend Birchwood High School but they also have a choice of schools within the Warrington area including Kings Academy which is due to move to a new building in Woolston in June 2016. There are also several employment zones within the parish mostly occupied by light industry and distribution companies. In contrast we also have two large parks and two nature reserves within our Parish.

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS: Our Communities

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Both our original parishes suffered a loss in congregation when service times were changed to enable us to share a priest. In the case of Birchwood the situation became unsustainable and it was decided to merge the two parishes into one. During the transition, although each parish had to legally retain its own PCC they met together to pave the way for the United Parish. The current PCC comprises members from both original parishes. The Church of the Ascension in Woolston is designated as the Parish Church with the Church of the Transfiguration in Birchwood at present used for services at principal festivals and the occasional offices but with potential for further development. We use Common Worship for parish communion but use one of the alternative orders and Eucharistic prayers for children in our monthly family communion. Our fourth Sunday “all-age” non-Eucharistic service is popular with families and younger members and those who feel uncomfortable with a full Eucharistic Service. Although we have our traditions, we are flexible, and many of our more senior worshippers happily join in the actions to the worship songs at this service. Lay participation in services includes reading lessons, leading intercessions, and administering the chalice.

We also have help from a retired priest in our congregation with permission to officiate. There are just over a hundred on our electoral roll and our Sunday church attendance averages 60 adults and 6 children, plus we mustn’t forget Rudi, the hearing dog. Our Wednesday morning said communion congregation averages 18. We benefit from being part of the Warrington East Team which was formed in 2013. This enables us to do things that would be difficult as an individual parish. So far the Team has held an Alpha course at a local golf club and have embarked on several series of bible studies and nurture courses. The team also enables efficient use of our priests’ time. For example by holding only one set of adult confirmation classes. The team also combines to provide additional services in Holy Week and at other festivals such as Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. We naturally celebrate the feasts of the Transfiguration and the Ascension as our Patronal festivals and these are also seen as Team events. Our team partners are independent parishes each with their own PCC. A substantial proportion of our funds are raised during our Christmas and Summer Fairs and other social activities including a monthly quiz. Prior to the events leading to the merger, both parishes had always paid their Parish Share and we expect to manage this year despite a large increase and some unexpected bills. During the current interregnum we intend to review our giving and fund-raising activities to ensure a financially stable future.

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS: The United Parish

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Outreach.

We have strong links with our communities. We believe that more outreach is necessary, particularly to those in need, for example, the sick in hospital or the housebound. Each year we publish ten editions of the parish magazine, “Woolston Eyes”. These are distributed around the parish free of charge to those who wish to receive them. We have a regularly maintained website www.theascensionwoolston.org We sponsor a Monday evening Youth Club, the only one of its kind in the area. The Woolston Ladies’ Group holds monthly meetings in the Mission hall. The Men’s Group meets monthly at various locations around the area – some of these are believed to be licensed premises.

Our 2015 Confirmation Candidates

The Monthly Quiz

Fund raising for our Local Hospice

in the Mission Hall

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Links with our church schools provide opportunities for pupils including first communion and confirmation. Previous Vicars have been governors and valued visitors to them both. We look on the ministry in our schools as being an important way of reaching out to the wider community and especially in re-building the Church’s presence in the Birchwood area. Both our schools scored highly in their latest OFSTED inspections. Woolston C E Primary School

The Woolston C E Primary School situated in

Epping Drive, was declared an: “Outstanding

school in all areas by OFSTED. “

Previous incumbents have been on the governing body. They held a

monthly assembly in church as well as end-of–term Eucharists and

gave presentations at Christmas, in Holy Week and Harvest-time that

were always well-attended by parents and friends. Y3 pupils are

prepared for and are encouraged to take communion after special

lessons and they find this very exciting. Typically, twenty Y6 pupils

are prepared for confirmation each year. After their confirmation, we

invite a small group of young people to join our servers to assist in the sanctuary. The school choir participates in the annual church Carol Service and other

occasional services. It is expected that the team vicar should be in complete empathy with the aims and objectives of church schools and be actively involved in

continuing the strong links between church and school. A Church-School partnership award was presented in 2012.

It is one of three primary schools in Woolston; the others are St Peter’s Roman Catholic Primary School, and Woolston County Primary School. Most pupils elect

to attend Birchwood High School with others going to Culcheth High School or Thomas Boteler CofE High School in Warrington. Woolston High school was

closed in 2012 and the site is now occupied by Woolston Learning Village which houses a sixth form college and Foxwood School for those with special

educational needs. A new building is currently under construction in Woolston for Kings Leadership Academy and is scheduled to open in June 2016. We have

always worked hard to maintain good relationships with all the schools and would expect the new Team Vicar to maintain and build on all the school links.

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS: Our Church Schools

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Birchwood C of E Primary School

Birchwood C of E is a rapidly improving Primary School

which achieved Good in all areas with Outstanding Provision

in Early Years (OFSTED 2015). Birchwood C of E is situated

in a pocket of deprivation in Oakwood and serves a high

percentage of vulnerable children and their families.

Our school now looks forward to developing the Christian

distinctiveness alongside an enthusiastic incumbent. We are

fortunate that the Church is a physical part of our school

building. Despite it not being used for regular community

worship, our school has endeavoured to celebrate Christian

festivals and would welcome working alongside the new

incumbent to develop the profile of the Church, the school

and the wider community.

In the past, incumbents have been part of the Governing

Body and have held assemblies on a weekly basis and regular Eucharist. We look forward to the team vicar being a strong, pro-active, spiritual presence in our

school for our children in order to develop links between Church, school and the wider community.

Birchwood CofE Primary School is situated in Oakwood. The other primary schools in the Birchwood area are Locking Stumps Community Primary School and

Gorse Covert Community Primary School.

We want to continue to develop the relationship with the school. We would love to see parents and children from the school attending the church. This might not

be at a Sunday service but at other types of worship held at other times and/or days. This is one of our most important priorities.

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We pray for the guidance and the means to:

nurture our spiritual journey in growing closer to God

inspire and revitalise the ministry in our Parish to reach out to all our communities

accommodate the preferences of traditional worshipers alongside styles which might be more attractive to those new to church life

build on the church’s presence in our primary schools

work with people of all age groups and all kinds of lives with a real concern for individuals and their needs both physical and spiritual

meet our financial responsibilities

maintain our church buildings

Encourage more, and younger, people to take on roles in running the parish We also pray for a new Team Vicar who will enjoy participating in community activities, not simply the life of the church itself, ensuring that we can continue to build on the current links between the church and the wider community.

If you feel called to come to help us we will do all we can to offer you:

a warm welcome from able lay members in each community to support you in prayer and be involved in leading worship and parish organisation

a sense of collective responsibility for the parish and support for the church in the communities

a recognition of the challenges ahead and a willingness to support your initiatives to the best of our abilities

an invitation to be involved in our active communities and make a difference to them - but we won’t expect you to be in more than one place at a time!

a pleasant place for you (and your family) to live.

What we Pray for:

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There is a well-appointed, detached vicarage sited in

Warren Lane, Woolston, opposite to the Church of the

Ascension. Formerly the schoolmaster’s house, the

vicarage was extended in the early 1970s into a

comfortable family-sized home. The ground floor

comprises a large lounge, dining room, study, fitted

kitchen, utility room and small cloakroom. Upstairs there

are four bedrooms and a bathroom with shower. It has

fair-sized gardens that are easy to maintain and overlooks

a green area at the front.

The Birchwood vicarage, is about 50 yards from the Church of the Transfiguration

on Admirals Road. It is a modern detached house in its own grounds and has

benefited from recent improvements including the installation of security cameras

and replacement double-glazed windows. The ground floor comprises hall, kitchen,

dining room, lounge, study and WC and on the first floor 4 bedrooms and bathroom.

There is a garage and ample parking space inside the front gate.

We understand that the new Team Vicar will be able to choose which Vicarage to

occupy.

Birchwood Vicarage

Woolston Vicarage

Our Vicarages

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The Community.

Woolston has seen some major changes over the last fifty

years. New houses plus schools, shops, doctors’ surgeries

and churches were built. It is a pleasant, residential area

that has an above average socio-economic profile. It is

easily accessed from Junction 21 on the M6 or by local bus

services from Warrington and Manchester.

Most of the homes are owner-occupied, with a small quantity

of rented housing in the area. There is a substantial amount

of accommodation for elderly residents, including sheltered,

warden-supervised flats in Woolston Hall, residential care in

Heathercroft Nursing Home and a development of council-

owned bungalows.

The local leisure centre has recently been redeveloped and

renamed - Woolston Neighbourhood Hub - incorporating a

doctor’s surgery, a state of the art fitness suite, a new library,

conference suite and children’s centre in addition to the

swimming pool. The Woolston Grange Industrial estate offers

light industrial and warehousing facilities to businesses,

allowing them easy access to all major traffic routes. There is

a large playing field area, a beautiful park a pub and two

vibrant social clubs. There are three sets of local shops one

including a post office and a pharmacy.

The Font with Harvest Gifts

Woolston: The Church of the Ascension

The Lady Chapel

The Chancel

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The Church of the Ascension

The Church of the Ascension, Woolston, was designed by George Pace and built in 1970. The church is situated on a village green owned by the church and is built to a modern design, giving flexibility in its use. The limed oak pews are not fixed and can be rearranged for our annual Agape Supper and other special services. Recent work has made the building compliant with access for the disabled and electrical safety regulations. We are fortunate to have a group of parishioners who help us to keep both the church and the mission hall in sound condition. Just like most churches, there are always things we would like to improve, but we are realistic in knowing what we would like and what is practical. There is a Lady Chapel which provides a more intimate space for our Wednesday morning services. Here, the pews are often re-arranged to make a very convenient meeting room for bible studies and even PCC meetings. On Sundays it is used as a crèche area. Those looking after children can still hear the service via loudspeakers and are able to see something of the service through the large dividing window. The church had a moment of fame in 2015 when it featured in the first episode of the Ordinary Lies television series shown on BBC1 playing the part of St Godfrey’s church Milton Keynes in a funeral scene.

The Mission Hall Across the road from the church is the church hall, known locally as the Mission, a legacy from its beginnings as the village school (built in 1884) which also served as a Mission church to the then Parish Church, Christchurch in Padgate. The hall is a unique building and is in constant use by church and community groups of all ages including a regular playgroup and the local Woman’s Institute. The Mission was fully refurbished in 2005 and had a new heating boiler fitted in 2015. Income from these users provides a welcome additional source of income for the parish.

Christingle Service.

The Mission Hall

Sunday Service

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The Community

Much of Birchwood is planted with trees and shrubs and in addition there are open spaces

such as Risley Moss and the Forest Park providing attractive recreational facilities. There

are pedestrian walkways throughout the area.

Birchwood comprises 3 villages, Gorse Covert, Oakwood and Locking Stumps, with a total

population of approximately 11,500.

In Gorse Covert and Locking Stumps most of the housing is owner occupied, and in

Oakwood approximately 50% of the housing is owner occupied and 50% rented. The

Church of the Transfiguration is situated in Oakwood. Each of the Birchwood villages has

local shops, a school, and a local pub.

The area’s principal shopping needs are provided by Birchwood Mall which includes a

large ASDA store and free parking. As well as Birchwood High School and 6th Form

College there is also a Tennis Centre, library, medical centre and dentist.

Birchwood is conveniently situated near the junction of the M62 and M6 motorways and has its own railway station with regular services to Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester and across the Pennines. There are regular bus services to Warrington and Leigh. Besides its resident population, Birchwood has a daily influx of at least 10,000 workers.

The NHS, Sellafield Ltd, Fujitsu and Talk Talk are among the major employers in the area.

There are several organisations committed to the development and improvement of

Birchwood, including Birchwood Town Council and the Birchwood Partnership.

BIRCHWOOD: The Church of the Transfiguration

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The Church of the Transfiguration

Constructed in 1978 The Worship Centre is part of a modern complex of buildings that includes the church school and a Sure Start Children’s Centre, The Woodlands, plus the ‘Village Room’ and kitchen which is used by the school, the church and community groups. The Worship Centre is a flexible space with a movable altar. It is in good repair with a new carpet and new chairs. It is separated from the school hall by a moveable screen, which can be opened up for larger events such as weddings and large baptisms. The worship centre has its own entrance porch as well as direct access from the school. The Village Room can be used for refreshments after services and for other meetings.

In the Worship Centre there is a beautiful brick sculpture of the Transfiguration behind the altar, designed by Ian Davies using Aztec symbols and motifs, that has never failed to impress visiting worshippers. The two larger figures beside the Transfigured Christ represent Moses and Elijah. The smaller ones represent us, the worshipping congregation. There is also a decorative window that continues the sculptures theme that is dedicated to the memory of, John Hicks, one of the key benefactors of the church.

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Christ Church, Padgate is a thriving worshipping community with, we believe, a strong sense of service to others, a welcoming outlook to newcomers and visitors and an enjoyment in our fellowship together. We consider ourselves to be “middle-of-the-road Anglicans” using Common Worship for our services, but open to new ideas. We work well with the other churches in Warrington East Team, and also with the local Methodist Church, where we are represented at each other’s’ council meetings. We also take an active part in Churches Together (CT) in East Warrington. Christ Church was consecrated in 1838. The interior was reordered in the 1960’s by the distinguished church architect George Pace.

Our congregation mix reflects the demographics of the area, but we would love to have more young families. There are over 200 people on the electoral roll – some living in adjoining parishes that have historic connections with Christ Church. We have several very well established activities, including the Mothers’ Union which meets twice a month; and Playtimers, a Carer and Toddler group held weekly in the nearby community centre. We see Playtimers as a strong part of our mission to the community. Over the past year we have started a monthly “Active Church” Sunday service consisting of half an hour of themed practical activities for youngsters and families to complete, followed by a short service on the same theme with songs and prayers. This has become very popular, with over 100 people participating, and we hope it will continue to grow. From Monday to Thursday mornings our coffee shop is open in church. This has been running for seven years, and not only meets a need for Padgate people to get together, but also enables the church to be open to all who want a place of reflection and prayer. Very strong links exist between the church and our CofE School which is just across the road. Social events include an annual Pantomime in February, a Garden Party in July and a “Teddy Bears’ picnic” in August. We also have a monthly Men’s Group, a Choral Group and a Cricket Team. We support NSPCC, Christian Aid, US, Fairtrade and other charities.

Our monthly church magazine, Grapevine contains a range of local articles and profiles, and it showcases pupils’ work from our school. It has a circulation of over 850 copies

Our Team Partners: Christchurch, Padgate

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This is a unique and exciting church in the heart of Blackbrook and Cinnamon Brow, Warrington. Dedicated in 1989 it is the only church in the UK that is owned equally by the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. The two worshipping communities – Church of the Resurrection and Church of St Bridget, share its use. Approximately 75% of the housing in the parish is privately owned, the remainder being either Council rented or owned by various Housing Associations. There is some sheltered housing for the elderly and an intermediate care facility operated by Warrington Borough Council and the Bridgewater Trust. There are three primary schools in the area, all with good reputations. Two have nurseries attached. The Warrington Campus of the University of Chester is located in our parish. Other facilities include an attractive local shop, the Farm Club that is a licensed community centre, and 3 public houses. Adjacent to our parish

boundary there is a small shopping centre which also includes a Doctor’s

surgery, a Pharmacy, a Dentist, a Library and the offices of a Credit Union. Our church is a committed, supportive and welcoming community. We are open to people of all ages and the building is accessible to people with disabilities and a hearing loop is installed. We have an Electoral Roll of 58 with average weekly attendance of 45 adults and 6 children. Our church subscribes to the Bishop’s Growth Agenda. The PCC oversees the management of the Church of the Resurrection. Sub-committees discuss matters referred to them by the PCC; the most active are Pastoral, Social & Fundraising and Finance. The parish share is paid to date and we have joined the Parish Giving Scheme. There is an active branch of the Mothers Union, a regular weekly ‘Drop In’ for coffee and a chat and a very well supported family/carers and toddlers group called Cinnamon Brow Toddlers that meets every Friday morning

during term time. A small Prayer Group meets once per month.

Our regular Service Times are as follows: Sundays: 9.30am Parish Eucharist

Last Sunday of the month 9.30amFamily Service – ‘Together at the Eucharist ‘where we welcome families with young children

Tuesdays; 7.00pm Holy Communion Thursdays; 10.30am Holy Communion The church has a useful hall attached with new kitchen and toilet facilities including disabled and baby changing. There is an upstairs room for meetings of up to 16 people, together with a large loft storage area. The hall is available for private hire. The Church of England Aided primary

school is licensed for worship and Eucharists are held there from time to

time. Our church is a member of Warrington East Team of churches and of Churches Together in Warrington East.

Our Team Partners: The Church of the Resurrection, Cinnamon Brow

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Because of the history of our two original parishes our Ecumenical links are very diverse. At Birchwood we have ecumenical links with the Thomas Risley United Reformed Church and the evangelical Birchwood Community Church. Joint services of witness are held in Birchwood Shopping Mall to mark Remembrance Day, Carols in the Mall at Christmas and an Easter act of Witness usually held on Good Friday. These events are organised on a rota basis amongst the participating churches. There is also a part time Anglican lay chaplain provided by Mission in the Economy who serves in the Birchwood Park employment area. In Woolston, there are strong ecumenical links between the Church of the Ascension and the local Roman Catholic (St Peter and St Michael) and Methodist (St Martin’s) churches. "Churches together in Warrington East" was set up over 40 years ago and still meets regularly. There are nine churches in total which includes ourselves and our Anglican Team partners of Christchurch, Padgate and The Church of the Resurrection, Cinnamon Brow plus two Methodist, an Independent Methodist, and three Roman Catholic Churches. With our ecumenical partners we promote and encourage attendance at each other’s bible study and lent courses. Each June we take part in Padgate and Woolston Walking Day, an annual walk of public witness. The church banner is carried at the front and the parade passes along Padgate Lane and is made up of church members and representatives of the churches, and schools. The Woolston churches take it in turns to host a tea afterwards. A joint act of worship commemorating Remembrance Day is held at the Woolston War memorial. The various churches also take turns to host ecumenical services such as for the Women’s World Day of Prayer. The Team Vicar would be expected to maintain these ecumenical ties and, if possible, build on them.

Our Ecumenical Partners

Walking Day Parade Church of the Ascension Banner

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In the Parish of Birchwood and Woolston: There are 106 people on the electoral roll. On average 60 adults and 6 children attend worship each Sunday. On average 18 adults and 1 child attend our Wednesday morning service. On average 20 children and 2 adults are confirmed each year. There are between 40 and 50 baptisms per year. There are between 6 and 8 weddings per year. There are between 20 and 25 funerals per year. Financial; Annual Income £72,719 (2015) Parish Share £45,115 (for 2016) Current service Pattern: 1St Sunday: 11:15, Family Communion. 2nd Sunday: 11:15, Parish Communion. 3rd Sunday: 11:15, Parish communion. 1:00 Baptism service. 4th Sunday: 11:15, All age Worship. 6:30 Said Communion. 5th Sunday: 11:15, Parish Communion. Wednesdays; 10:00 Said Communion followed by open church until 12:00.

Thank you for your interest, for further information please contact our Parish Representatives:

Graham Broady, (grahambroadyoakleaf@msn.com) 07970 314823

John Freeman (jonmfreeman@gmail.com) 07570 583309

We look forward to hearing from you.

Statistics.

Welcome!

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Warrington East Team: Birchwood and Woolston

Warrington is a lively and exciting place to minister and these two areas offer any new priest an opportunity to reach out to commerce and residents alike.

The Church of the Ascension is situated to the east of Warrington and this area is mainly residential but also has much work to do with the shops, business and offices. The church has an active and on-going ministry to many and its focus is on mission and outreach whilst working collaboratively within the Warrington East Team under the direction of the Team Rector and Team Vicar

The other is Church of the Transfiguration, Birchwood. This is a small church which is located within the Church School and, whilst services take place on major festivals, it does remain an important part of the community. It serves the busy area of Birchwood with an important railway station and vibrant shopping centre. The Church of the Transfiguration is also part of the Warrington East Team and the priest appointed as a Team Vicar will have particular responsibility for the communities of both Birchwood and Woolston. These churches, although unique in character, are a united parish.

The Deanery fully supports a Common Tenure Appointment of a Team Vicar to the Parish of Birchwood and Woolston in the Warrington East Team. It is expected that all ordained colleagues attend Clergy Chapter and Deanery Synod and play a full role in the life and mission of the Deanery of Warrington.

This appointment presents a wonderful opportunity to work alongside the Team Rector, a self-supporting colleague as well as some greatly gifted lay people who come together to work towards the building up of God’s kingdom in this part of our town.

Reverend Canon Stephen Boyd

Area Dean

Area Dean’s Statement