Priest-in-Charge, Hunstanton & Saxon Shore benefice
The Hunstanton and Saxon Shore benefice is prayerfully seeking an experienced Priest to make Christ known and to help us discern our vision for the church to be a church for all, across the town and villages. These coastal parishes are situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in northwest Norfolk.
There is an active ministry team of an Assistant Priest, 4 retired clergy, and active Churchwardens. A Team Vicar is also to be appointed and we would be delighted to hear of interest in this post too!
The Diocese are purchasing a brand new 5 bedroom energy efficient Rectory within easy walking distance of St Mary’s, the town and the seafront.
We are seeking an experienced Priest who will
* Hold overall responsibility for the oversight of the team/benefice
* Have specific responsibility for the mission and day to day running of the parishes of Hunstanton and Old Hunstanton
* Foster a good working relationship with the Team Vicar who will hold specific responsibility for the villages (Ringstead, Holme next the Sea, Thornham, Titchwell, Brancaster and Burnham Deepdale), and with the Associate Priest (SSM) who works across the town and villages
* Help us to listen to our communities and understand their needs
* Discern and own with us a vision for mission and ministry as we seek to be a church for all in our parishes
* Be prepared to take risks and to try out new ventures
* Sustain and equip the ministry team (clergy, readers, Licensed Lay Ministers, clergy with Permission to Officiate) for our shared mission by praying together and meeting regularly
* Continue to enable the ministry of the Churchwardens of the benefice by meeting regularly together for mutual support
* Work together with the PCCs to inspire and realise vision
* Inspire and work with willing community partners as we look to serve the needs of our town
* Make provision for youth ministry within both within the schools and beyond
* Discern and encourage vocations
* Strengthen civic and ecumenical links within Hunstanton
* Help to develop mission and ministry within the new housing developments of the town and exploring partnership with the neighbouring parish of Heacham where beneficial to do so
* Look for seasonal worship opportunities which connect with the life of our community beach services, lifeboat service, summer praise, civic services
* Understand the importance of and enable pastoral visiting
* Be known in the villages of the benefice, working collaboratively and supportively with the Team Vicar
* Support, enable and empower lay people while recognising that many are tired after a long vacancy