All Saints Aston-cum-Aughton

Belonging together

These days, many clergy have complicated job titles, and I am no exception! As Rector of Aston cum Aughton with Swallownest and Ulley I have care of two parishes –one very big – Aston parish has a population of over 15 000 – and one quite small – Ulley parish numbers two hundred people. Christ Church Swallownest was established as a second place of worship in the larger parish just under thirty years ago, since when new housing estates have continued to grow. And All Saints Church of England School is an equally important part of the life of the church here. It’s important to me to be in touch with all the churches and the school through the week. I start the day with prayer at Ulley on Monday, at Swallownest on Tuesday, and share Holy Communion at Aston on Wednesday at 9.30. Most Thursdays I’m in school for assembly.

In the Church of England we firmly believe we’re not simply here for the people who regularly go to church but are here to pray for and connect with the whole of the community – and of course to do this together with colleagues from the other Christian denominations. I enjoy going into Swallownest Care Home and starting to get to know staff and residents there. I’m keen to get to know the other six schools in Aston parish. Making relationships takes time and patience. It’s slow, but rewarding.
Another part of my “job” is to be Area Dean of Laughton. That means I support the clergy who look after the fifteen churches of our Deanery and encourages these churches to plan and work together. I’m enjoying getting around the area by bike and discovering the network of country lanes south of Rotherham!
What connects these different people and places is that we’re all part of the Body of Christ – we belong together. It helps me to remember that what I do is a small part of a much bigger picture sowing a few seeds for the growth of God’s kingdom in this part of the world.

In peace,

Frances