St. Michael the Archangel and Christ The King, Rushall

• The Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel
• Christ the King

Training Incumbent
The Revd Colin Such

Trained: Ripon College Cuddesdon. Deaconed: 1997: Lichfield

I have been vicar of Rushall since 2004 and Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands since 2024.

Originally from Warwickshire I worked as a solicitor in the City of London for some years before following my vocation to ordained ministry.

I am single, my two dogs provide plenty of company and I am known for my cooking and entertaining.

Whilst at Rushall I have trained three curates and led seven pilgrimages (three to mainland Italy, and also Spain, Greece, the Holy Land and Sicily). Walking together on the journey of faith and table fellowship are at the heart of my ministry.

The context

The parish lies one mile from Walsall town centre and comprises two distinct population areas with the fields of the Old Rushall conservation area in the middle.

• The area around the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel is mainly residential but includes some shops, part of the arboretum and a golf club. The population is diverse.
• The mission church of Christ the King lies a mile away in the centre of three estates which include two primary schools, a special school, community centre, pubs and a doctors surgery. This area once white working class has become more diverse in recent years.

The parish as a whole has areas of prosperity but also deprivation. Our worship is central/high with vestments and, at the parish church, robed choir and incense. Our congregations are also diverse and we are welcoming to all.

The hall at the parish church is well used by community groups throughout the week and we run a monthly dementia friendly memory café. We have an active social life throughout the year of quizzes, meals, skittle nights and home-grown entertainment. Christ the King is struggling with numbers but hosts concerts throughout the year to augment its income. Both churches host a place of welcome with a “drop in” each week.

The parish church is an eco-gold award church and the closed churchyard provides a haven of peace and quiet.

We have two lay readers and a range of volunteers. The atmosphere in both churches is relaxed and welcoming. In addition to our organised social events there are many informal get togethers. We enjoy learning together through Lent groups, Bible and discussion groups both in person and online. We try to ensure that both churches give a warm welcome to everyone who comes.

Prayers of love and faith have not yet been discussed 

Mission statistics (2024)