In the December magazine, Nicki and Jacquie, our Churchwardens, provided a brief update on what was happening regarding the sale of our Vicarage and the recruitment of a new vicar for the Benefice.
Since then, things have moved on apace, and, as I’m sure everyone will have spotted, The Vicarage in Bathwell Lane is “Sold: Subject to Contract”. This is very good news – especially as we have also heard that the Diocesan Surveyor is actively searching for a suitable replacement home for our new vicar. We are all praying that one such property will soon become available within the village, and that it will provide a warm, welcoming and economical replacement. Maybe, by the time you read this, a new home will indeed have been found.
The Churchwardens across the Benefice have also been working hard to prepare a Parish Profile. This is essentially a job specification for any prospective applicant and lays out who we are, what our strengths as a body of people are, what our challenges are, and what sort of a leader we are looking for. It includes information on all five churches of the Benefice, and details of the types of community in which they are situated.
Members of all five churches were, in October, invited to contribute to this document by offering ideas and suggestions of what could and should be included. All members of the PCCs have now had the opportunity to look at a draft Profile, and, reading it, it is hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to come here!
However, notwithstanding that, there is recognition that there are challenges ahead. That is why we are seeking an inspirational and innovative leader, who can help us use all our strengths to better serve our communities, whilst discerning God’s will as we journey together. We want someone who is optimistic for our future, who, as “The Vicar”, is visible in the community; has a smile for everyone; and can think ‘outside the box’ when it comes to finding imaginative ways of using our beautiful church buildings in different ways – whether in the context of a wider range of services, or more community-based uses perhaps.
The whole legal process from now until we actually advertise will still take a little time. So please, as you read this – and in the days and weeks ahead – remember us in your thoughts and prayers.
Susan Wales
Secretary to the PCC of St John’s