Lichfield St Chad's

• St Chads Lichfield
• Elmhurst Mission hall

Training Incumbent
The Revd Chris Davies

Trained: I trained originally for Ordained Local Ministry so trained on what was then the Diocese Local Ministry Training Scheme.

Deaconed: 2008 Lichfield

Down to earth, collaborative, like to lead by consensus. I believe very strongly in the principles of every member ministry. I'm passionate about supporting people to deepen their sense of relationship with God. I'm also very passionate about providing pastoral care to those in need. I began this current ministry in September 2024. I practise contemplative prayer, and love Celtic spirituality. Family man, married, three grown up children, dog lover, enjoy running, cycling, squash, walking.

The context

Lichfield St Chads is located just north of the centre of the city of Lichfield and serves the north district including the rural areas of Elmhurst and Curborough.

Whilst there are areas in the city and the parish that are affluent, a good proportion of the parish is an area of considerable need. Primary schools in the parish average 40-45% Pupil Premium.

St Chads is a twelfth and thirteenth century building. In the grounds is Saint Chads Well, believed to be the site where St Chad based himself and baptised the first Christian converts in the seventh Century. St Chads lies at one end of the Two Saints Way, which is a pilgrimage walk connecting Lichfield and Chester.

The churchmanship and worship at St Chads is central. We have informal and developing links with St Michaels and Christchurch which are our neighbouring parishes. We have shared joint services for Midnight Mass and Ascension day. we have shared in joint study groups and co-orindated joint schools confirmation services.

There are ecumenical links across the city; as ministers we meet monthly for prayer and mutual support.

All of the primary schools are very supportive of joint working with the church and there are a variety of ways in which these links are manifested. We have links with a large residential care home in the parish and we offer a bi weekly service of Holy Communion there. St Chads has a church hall which is situated ten minutes away from the church and in an area of deprivation; we are currently working out what the ministry and mission of this building might be in relation to the area in which it sits.

The incumbent is happy to use PLF but the issue has been discussed with him at parish level.

Mission statistics (2024)