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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. |
• |
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
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