We invite applications from priests with an enthusiasm for rural ministry, who want to see the church making a real difference in an area of distinct social need in this parish on the Lincolnshire/Norfolk border.

This 0.5 post is the equivalent of Sundays plus 3 other days per week. The diocese has agreed to a 2 year interim post, to cover the transition to a new pattern of deployment that will be part of the diocesan vision for Resourcing a Sustainable Church. The post holder would be expected to help the parish work towards this vision and take an active part in discussions and decision making about how this is implemented within the deanery.

There is scope, (but no requirement as such) for adding into this post the additional responsibility of becoming the Deanery Lay Training Officer – if this is you, we would like you to have a heart for the nurturing of lay vocations and experience and enjoyment of facilitating Adult Education.

For further information or an informal conversation about this post please contact:
The Ven Justine Allain Chapman (Archdeacon of Boston) – archdeacon.boston@lincoln.snglican.org
Tel - 01522 504039

or Rev’d Canon Rosamund Seal (Rural Dean of Elloe East) – rosamund.seal@btinternet.com
Tel – 01406 424989

This post represents an opportunity to join the deanery of Elloe East at a time of renewed optimism and hope for the future and to help contribute to shaping the future of both the benefice and the deanery as part of the diocesan vision for Resourcing a Sustainable Church. St Matthew’s Sutton Bridge has traditionally been part of the Central Anglican tradition, but it has also experienced and enjoyed a less formal and more evangelical form of worship in recent years. Though the parish would like someone who is comfortable with using Common Worship liturgies, churchmanship is far less important to them than getting the right priest with the right gifts for the job.

There are significant challenges here. Some families have lived here for generations, some older people have retired here because of the relatively low cost of housing. There is a lot of social housing, a high number of single parent families, a significant number of migrant workers who work in the food processing industries and significantly low aspirations among many of its young people.

This is a post for a mission-focused parish priest, with a heart for the community, and an opportunity to make a real difference and has considerable scope for development.

We are looking for a person of prayer who will:

• Make themselves known in the community and communicate well with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Lead, enable and encourage us to develop a vision for our future.
• Value the diversity in our congregation and discern and develop their gifts for active roles in the life of the church.
• Enjoy a variety of worship - traditional, modern and informal.
• Have good organisational and IT skills.
• ……… and a sense of humour!
• And, who, if they become the Deanery Lay Training Officer has:
• An enthusiasm for identifying, supporting and encouraging lay people in their ministry.
• Proven experience of adult education and facilitation skills.

For more information about this application process, please use this link

What we can offer:

• A warm and friendly welcome.
• A willing bunch of lay people who enthusiastically organize regular activities and events.
• A congregation who, as well as valuing tradition and a regular Eucharist, are open to new initiatives.
• A Church building which is open every day.
• A willingness to ‘soldier on’.
• A building and facilities which are ripe for more flexible community use.
• Full administrative support at a deanery level.

We will support our new priest by:

• Welcoming you into our church family.
• Supporting you and ministering alongside you whenever we can.
• Supporting your time off and holidays.
• Organising the fund-raising and social events so that you don’t have to.
• Holding you in our prayers.
• Offering a supportive deanery that shares its gifts and enthusiasms.

Full expenses of office will be reimbursed. It is expected that the priest will take their time off as well as their annual pro rata holiday entitlement. The importance of study leave, Spiritual Direction and an annual retreat is recognised. They will be encouraged to use this provision to enhance their ministry and our own.

Closing Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Parish Visit: Yet to be confirmed

Interview Date: Sutton Bridge, Wednesday, January 20, 2021