Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich
Serving Suffolk's Communities
The Benefice has 2 parishes – both of which have a pleasant rural Suffolk character - and is situated in an attractive part of West Suffolk some 15 miles from our Cathedral town of Bury St. Edmunds and close to Colchester, Cambridge and Ipswich.

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 there are many opportunities to build and strengthen further spiritual growth. We have good links with other organizations within the villages and surrounding area and we have a policy of having our church buildings accessible.

Both parishes strive hard to move our mission into the village communities and beyond.

Music is an important part of our worship and we maintain a good tradition of hymn singing and sung services. Both BCP and Common Worship services are used in the Benefice and a weekly Eucharist is held in one of the churches. A wide variety of services are held including Morning and Evening Prayer, Worship and Family services and Healing services. A weekly Home Communion is held in various homes in Acton.

Both churches are of Mediæval origin and are important landmarks in this beautiful part of East Anglia. The communities are mainly traditional in their outlook. They are concerned about their heritage and appreciate the significance of the Church and its mission within the community.

Generally the finances of the Benefice are sound and are supported by continuing fundraising and grant seeking which is necessary in maintaining the historic buildings, and to pay the parish share. There is a lot of volunteer help in the community by those who give of their time and expertise to help in many ways.

We benefit from the services of a passionate and dedicated OLM.

The Wardens of the both PCCs within the Benefice meet regularly to foster and encourage close working relationships and exchange of ideas for mutual support and fellowship. There is also a monthly meeting of the Ministry Team consisting of our NSM, Lay Reader, Lay Elders, Lay Pastor, Reader in Training and Wardens to build our worship and outreach.

This post is full time for Acton and Gt. Waldingfield, working closely with the Deanery and Diocese towards a possible Minster model.
There is an attractive modern vicarage in Acton, adjacent to the Church set in a moderately sized and manageable garden.
We hope that you will want to join us and walk alongside us in our spiritual journey.