| The Parish of South Bradford is a
combination of three urban villages, each with different identities
and character and the total population of about 19,000 is gradually
increasing. We are a mixture of professional, executive and manual
workers with some unemployed. Contrary to some perceptions of
Bradford, 96% of the population in the parish is ethnically white
British. We have three churches in the
parish: St. Andrew’s, Oakenshaw, St. Mary’s,Wyke and Holy Trinity,
Low Moor, and this reflects the three parishes which came together
as a united parish in January 2006, as shown in the map.
Holy Trinity, Low Moor has significant
industry in the parish, with both light and heavy industries
represented. The church is involved with an urban village
partnership, which has previously funded shared projects. A new
railway station is planned in the area in 2012 – subject to funding
availability.
St Andrew’s, Oakenshaw is set in a more
rural aspect, although some businesses and industry are in evidence.
The congregation work closely with the Oakenshaw Residents
Association in local area projects, which have received backing from
the local council.
St Mary’s is adjacent to the centre of Wyke,
which is more ‘town like’, although diminishing in the number of
shops. However, parts of Wyke are developing and a new Academy (3 to
16 years) has been established this year, with purpose built
premises planned for 2012. Funds have recently been made available
to the church, to repair the historic church tower clock, from an
area initiative scheme.
Since 2006 much has been done to foster
unity across the new parish, to bring mission and church growth to
the forefront of church life and to discover what can better be done
together. The vision is for three flourishing centres who share
things which help us become more effective in our mission. The
Parish Mission Statement was agreed in December 2007 and was decided
as:
This church lives to touch Christ and to touch lives
Our mission statement led to a clear vision
for the three churches:
Our vision is of 3 growing churches: full and overflowing with
people of all ages and background in loving relationship with Jesus,
with one another, and with the world around. |
