A Vacancy Prayer
Heavenly Father, We hold before you all who live and work in our villages of Winscombe and Sandford and Churchill and all who come to worship you at St James, All Saints, St John’s and the Church Centre. Lord Jesus, we know you have plans for our Benefice, and we trust that those plans are good. Wise and Holy Spirit, guide those who are seeking the right priest to be our next Vicar and also those who may be wondering if coming here is the next step in their ministry. Together may we discern your way for the future and be further equipped to grow your kingdom, by putting the love of Jesus in the heart of our communities.
Amen
During the vacancy which commence in September 2024 our aim is to keep everyone in our Church Communities and beyond updated about our latest developments.
Meeting with the Archdeacon – Thursday September 19th
The Churchwardens were invited to meet Archdeacon Charlie Peer on Thursday afternoon to discuss the plans for our Benefice now that we are in vacancy.
We were able to engage in a very positive dialogue with both Charlie and Tim Erridge (Assistant Area Dean).
They were both impressed with the work put in so far, by our leadership teams to manage the vacancy.
We were very pleased and reassured to hear from him that we are to get a new Vicar.
The Archdeacon told us that we could now start the lengthy process of finding a new Vicar for our Benefice. He will shortly call a meeting of Winscombe and Sandford and Churchill PCCs to lay out the timetable and processes that we have to follow.
We can reassure you all that we will keep you updated as soon as we have further news.
Churchwardens Message at the start of the Vacancy
The Churchwardens will be invited to meet the Archdeacon in the Autumn, and he will discuss our future with us. This will be our first opportunity to have an insight into the future plans that the Diocese has for us. When we have had that meeting, we will share his thoughts with you all.
In the meantime, it is our intention to work closely with the wonderful, retired clergy and lay worship assistants whom we are very fortunate to have in our villages. We also want to meet with the other groups who make our Benefice work and listen to their thoughts for the future.
Jacqui, our Curate, starts a short placement, in early September, at another Parish as part of her continuing training. We anticipate she will return at the beginning of November.
The plans for the future development of our Church Centre (Fresh Foundations) will continue to be explored as this will be an exciting project to encourage a new Vicar to consider coming to our Parish. However no firm commitments or decisions can be taken until we know our future and have a new Vicar.
The discussions and the process of finding a new Vicar is not speedy – it may be more than 18 months due to the way the Church of England works. For example, a vacancy cannot be advertised for at least six months after the previous incumbent leaves.
We are so grateful for all the people who are already helping in so many different ways – no offers of help will be refused from either Church members or from our wider communities!
Finally, please, please do talk to the Churchwardens. We will listen to your ideas and concerns and do our best to support our communities in the absence of a vicar. We may not know the answers but will find out or point you in the direction of someone who can help you.
Vacancy News October 2024
Following our recent meeting with the Archdeacon and Assistant Area Dean, we now have a date for the PCCs to hold their Pre-Section 11 Meeting. This will take place on Thursday 21st November with Bishop Michael, Archdeacon Charlie and other representatives from the Diocese.
At this important meeting the archdeacon will explain the PCCs’ role in the appointment of the Benefice’s next incumbent or priest-in-charge, outline the process, indicate an approximate timetable, and explain the agenda for the subsequent formal meeting, called the Final Vacancy Meeting (or Section 11 Meeting).
Please continue to hold the Church Wardens and members of our PCCs in your prayers at this time.