Over recent weeks, I’ve been very occupied with tasks related to my role as Rural Dean. Before detailing that work, let me first explain what a Rural Dean is. The Rural Dean is appointed by the bishop out of the members of the clergy in a “deanery.” A deanery is a grouping of adjacent parishes which together make up a coherent geographical area – a subset of the “diocese.” Many dioceses are geographically similar to counties or the historic boundaries of ancient kingdoms from the times when this land was not united under one monarch. Perhaps one useful way to think about it is to compare it with the structure of civic government. There, we have Parishes, Districts and Counties with their Councils. In the church, there are Parishes, Deaneries and Dioceses with their Synods. In one sense, therefore, the Rural Dean is the church equivalent of the leader of the District Council – responsible for calling together the other members for meetings and coordinating action which will affect the whole deanery and everyone living within it.
Our deanery is the deanery of Hertford and Ware. It stretches from our three parishes of Hunsdon, Widford and Wareside in the east through the towns of Hertford and Ware to Essendon in the west (bordering Hatfield). At its southernmost point is the village of Newgate Street, and its northern boundary is Aston on the outskirts of Stevenage. There are 23 parishes (26 churches) served by 11 licensed priests, of whom I am one. As Rural Dean, I have a degree of pastoral responsibility for the other clergy and their families as well as being the “go to” person to arrange cover in times of sickness or other absence. For those who wonder about such things, it doesn’t pay any more, despite the greater responsibility!
At present, there is no vicar in post in the villages of Watton-at-Stone, Stapleford, Waterford, Bramfield or Aston, so I am overseeing mission and ministry there. Other people are doing most of the Sunday services, but I did officiate at a wedding in September. I am also undertaking “inspections” on behalf of the Archdeacon. These annual inspections are like mini audits of church life and are intended to ensure that the church’s ministry is all in order. This year, the focus has been on the buildings – gutters and general safety measures like fire-extinguishers, lightning conductors and electrical inspections. So far, I have met with 17 church wardens and explored with them how their church is faring. As well as conducting the inspections, I am there to answer their questions or offer advice. As with previous years, it has been encouraging to hear about the many different ways that the churches are blessing their communities.
All of this is a hidden part of church life and even my inspections only deal with a little of what goes on behind the scenes in the churches of our deanery. Please spare a thought for the churchwardens who bear significant responsibility not only for the upkeep of our historic church buildings, but also the smooth running of the many and varied aspects of parish life. Better still, why not talk to them and see how you might be able to help…
May you know the blessing of the unseen God who works in all things.
Photo by Luis Morera on Unsplash