We have now heard from Archdeacon Alan about the time-table for the appointment of the new Team Vicar. As we explained at the Team Focus day in January, the role will be made up of two parts: one will be the traditional Team Vicar role based in Dilton Marsh and with a licence to cover the whole of the White Horse Team. The other half will be a Pioneer role, reaching out to people and communities across our two parishes of Westbury and Dilton Marsh. We shall therefore be looking for someone who has had training in both traditional ministry and pioneer ministry. The Diocese is applying for funding from the Church Commissioners for the pioneer part of the role, as this is being made available for parishes where they are not able to support a full-time priest financially.

The profile for the role should be ready in July. The post is planned to be advertised in the church press at the end of August and beginning of September.

The shortlisting date is in October. The interview days are planned for 17 and 18 November. These dates have been agreed by the Bishop.

If the person is in another role, they will have to give three months’ notice to their Bishop or employer before they will be able to take up the role.

Please pray for the profile team as we meet to prepare the profile in the coming weeks.

We have also been offered the opportunity to apply for additional funding for another part-time lay missional/pioneer role in the White Horse Team. We are being asked to discern what kind of role this may be: whether in reaching out to children, families, our schools, young people, the elderly, local community or something else. We are inviting people to think and pray about this and let us know if you have any suggestions about what kind of role this could be, and how we may support it. Please be in touch with myself or a member of the Ministry Team, your churchwarden or PCC member.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you .

Rebecca