The Benefice of Harlington, Tingrith and Westoning, nestled in the beautiful countryside of Bedfordshire with excellent transport links by road and rail, is part of the Diocese of St Albans and was formally established in April 2021. The parishes have benefitted from working together for a number of years prior to the formation of the Benefice and look forward to the opportunity to continue to move forward together. It is an exciting time to join this Benefice as it develops further its common mission and outreach.

Harlington is a rural village within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lying between Toddington and Flitwick. It has good links to the M1 and is on the Midland mainline railway, served by Thameslink. Tingrith is a small rural village that was once a hub in agriculture but is changing it's personality to one of small home businesses, commuters and retirees, and Westoning, like the other villages, has a strong community spirit to which our churches contribute.

We have a faithful core of worshippers and are looking forward to growing in number and in faith with the right leadership and support.

Our vision for the Benefice is:

• to be welcoming places which serve the people in our communities.
• to help people of all ages and backgrounds meet with Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him.
• to see God’s Kingdom continue to be extended by reaching out and welcoming those who are unconnected with church.

We are seeking someone who:

• Will lead and build on the unity of the Benefice whilst encouraging the individuality of each parish.
• Nurtures and inspires others to use their gifts to serve God in the church and wider community.
• Is pastorally minded with a heart for community, outreach and engagement with people of all ages.
• Is an effective communicator who is friendly and welcoming.
• Is a person of prayer and a faithful teacher of the bible.
• Balances traditional and contemporary worship, teaching and preaching with sensitivity and empathy.

In return we offer:

• A supportive team of Readers, Lay Leaders of worship and a Families and Outreach Consultant.
• PCCs who are keen to pursue new initiatives and are willing to embrace change.
• Volunteers who provide support with enthusiasm and prayer.
• Links with young children and families in the communities and our local schools.
• A friendly rural environment in which to work and live with good schools and recreational facilities.
• A range of activities that link on a weekly basis with the whole community.
• A comfortable detached four bedroomed vicarage in a village location.

To apply for the post please contact the Archdeacon of Bedford via his PA, Tricia Reed, at archdbedpa@stalbans.anglican.org or 01727 818167

Applications close at 9am on 30th November 2023, and interviews will be held on 9th January 2023

Please note that applications cannot be made via the Pathways platform but must be made on the application form provided by the Archdeacon's office.