Rural parishes take action

THE Rolling Rev (aka curate Simon Lockett pictured above) and other members of the ministry team in the Ray Valley Benefice take to the road in a battered old camper van between Easter and October, parking up in their eight small rural parishes with a welcoming pot of tea  and an open offer of a chat and/or a prayer, or taking the opportunity for pastoral visits.

The aim, says Simon, is to raise the profile, visibility and accessibility of the clergy: ‘I believe  it’s a crucial element to our rural ministry, and invaluable in terms of keeping an ear to the ground. Kids love visiting the van (the logo was designed by a local school), but lots of people drop in. It seems to have been widely accepted and liked.’
The van’s insurance and maintenance has so far been covered by sponsored events, but Simon thinks the cost is outweighed by the benefits of spending time in the communities they offer ministry to.

At Shires Edge, the Revd Pat Freeth and her ministry team have five rural churches. Pat says: ‘We have looked to involve ourselves in the communities as much as possible, with clubs for under-fives and teenagers as well as New Testament Greek for beginners and courses on computer technology in worship to help clergy and laity access the resources there.

‘We’re very keen on extra training and building confidence in people to take on some of the tasks of ministry, such as leading intercessions. We have an OLM and the Bishop has authorised three people to preach and take communion by extension, which helps when every church has a Sunday service.

‘I also do home communions which help me get to know some of the older population. One lady, who is bedridden invites about a dozen friends when I do home communion for her.’

In West Wycombe, tourists are part of the ministry responsibility of the churches, attracting thousands of visitors a year, off the South Buckinghamshire Trail.

As well as prayer corners and books, seating and informative leaflets about the churches the Revd Nigel Lacey, Priest in Charge, says visitors to St Lawrence’s have been enjoying guided climbs up the church tower for a fee which helps pay the church insurance.

He was delighted, he said, that welcoming tourists to the churches at the weekends had become a village-wide concern as non-churchgoers have begun to volunteer help:

‘It’s wonderful that the wider community feels a pride and ownership in their churches.’