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Scale
the Heights of Suffolk
Priest-in-Charge
A
vacancy exists in a beautiful part of West Suffolk – initially this
is a half-time post, but the Diocese is looking to create a whole-time
appointment linked with mission developments in nearby Haverhill.
The Suffolk Heights Benefice of six parishes - all of which have a rural
Suffolk character, is situated in an attractive part of West Suffolk,
some seven miles from our Cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds and close
to Haverhill and Cambridge.
The Benefice supports collaborative ministry and encourages lay participation
in all worship. There is strong support for the incumbent, whom we see
as a leader, and many opportunities to nurture and develop further spiritual
growth. We have strong links with other organisations within the villages
and an open-door policy in all our churches.
All six parishes strive hard to move our mission into the village communities
and beyond.
Music is important and we maintain a good tradition of hymn singing. Common
Worship services are used across the Benefice and a monthly Prayer BCP
Holy Communion is held in one of the parishes.
The six churches of the Benefice are of Norman or Mediaeval origin and
are important landmarks in this undulating and beautiful part of East
Anglia.
The comparatively small communities are mainly traditional in outlook.
They appreciate and are concerned about their heritage, valuing the significance
of the Church and its mission within villages.
Lay ministry and support is such that we are seeking a priest who is able
imaginatively to engage with growing and shaping ministry for mission.
Location
The Suffolk Heights
Benefice of six parishes - all of which have a rural Suffolk character,
is situated in an attractive part of West Suffolk, some seven miles from
our Cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds and close to Haverhill and Cambridge.
The
Benefice
Part of Clare Deanery, it consists of six parishes.
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All
Saints, Chedburgh |
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All
Saints, Chevington |
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St. Mary the Virgin, Depden |
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St.
Edmund, Hargrave |
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St.
Mary Magdalene, Hawkedon |
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All
Saints, Rede |
The
Churches:
The six churches of the Benefice are of Norman or Mediaeval org in
and are important landmarks in this undulating and beautiful part
of East Anglia. The comparatively small communities are mainly traditional
in outlook. They appreciate and are concerned about their heritage,
valuing the significance of the Church and its mission within villages.
All Saints, Cheburgh is sited
in the second largest community within the Benefice and is the one
with the most potential for growth.
All Saints, Chevington is situated at the edge of
the Village at the boundary of Ickworth Park (National Trust). Chevington
is the largest Village in the Benefice with a high proportion of contemporary
houses and a good number of young families.
St. Mary the Virgin, Depden serves this small
(c200 population) Village said to have the largest Village Green in
the County of Suffolk, centred just off the A143. There is a mix of
approximately 80 old and new houses and the Church, remote from the
village is reached by a footpath almost 1/3 or a mile long from the
nearest road. This provides a sense of peaceful isolation and a
"wow" factor upon entering the grassed churchyard,
surrounded by ancient yew trees.
St. Edmund, Hargrave
set in a small village with a population of just over 200, there are
currently just four services a year held in this Norman Church. The
congregation has regularly joined with Chevington at other times.
There is great enthusiasm and interest in expanding the number of
services in the future.
St.
Mary Magdalene, Hawkedon reputed to be the only church
situated in the centre of a Village Green, this is a fine Grade 1
Listed Building with many interesting features and pieces of art.
As a conservation village, development is strictly limited. However,
its largely ageing population of just over 100 has been boosted recently
by the arrival of several families with young children.
All
Saints, Rede is a 16th Century Church located in the
centre of this small Village with its 'picture postcard pretty' pub
amidst its largely agricultural surroundings. Rede maintains a close
relationship with Hawkedon Church and the geographical situation ensures
that several major Festival services are shared.
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Relationships with other Churches and
Faiths
All parishes have good relationships with other churches and faiths
in the Benefice. in particular, Hargrave has historically worked well
with the Methodists and the Boys Brigade and helped with both the
Remembrance Day and Carol Services before they disbanded. Those of
other faiths are encouraged to attend and participate in Village functions
and fundraising events which support both the Church and the wider
community and are warmly welcomed when attending Remberance Day and
Christmas Carol services.
What the Benefice is looking for in the new
Priest
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Someone
with well-defined leadership qualities |
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Someone
with a confident personal faith and spirituality that he/she is
able to share with others, encouraging them in their own pilgrimage
and ministry. |
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Someone with
a concern for a high standard of worship and a flexible approach
so that the catholic tradition of Chevington
and the more central position of the other parishes are equally
valued in their diversity and helped to develop. |
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Someone
with the ability to communicate and who can make good pastoral relationships
with people |
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Someone
who enjoys and understands people, young and old, and who can share
a real concern for the fabric of our churches. |
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Someone
who is collaborative in both his/her understanding of ministry and
in practice - a motivator who is willing to delegate when necessary
and to encourage the development of the ministry of others. |
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Someone with
a concern for and involvement in the life of the villages/parishes |
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Someone who
will be 'visible'. |
Why
Suffolk Heights
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We can offer a stimulating, varied, rural benefice with the opportunity
to work with a variety of traditional and creative, forward-thinking
people who have a real concern for the Christian Mission, community
and environment. |
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We
are adept and able to shoulder many administrative duties which
we believe will provide a proper work/life balance, so that our
Priest can concentrate on his/her priestly role, core mission, visiting
etc. |
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We have an attractive vicarage in Chevington giving the opportunity
to live and worship in a beautiful part of the country. |
Additional
Information is available upon request addressed to:
The Venerable David Brierley,
Archdeacon of Sudbury
Sudbury Lodge • Stanningfield Road • Great Whelnetham •
Bury St Edmunds • IP30 0TL
Email: Archdeacon
of Sudbury
For enquiries and information please contact:
The Venerable David Brierley
Archdeacon of Sudbury
Sudbury Lodge
Stanningfield Road
Great Whelnetham
Bury St Edmunds
IP30 0TL
Tel: 01284 386942
Email: archdeacon.david@stedmundsbury.anglican.org
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