Vacancy Update March 2025

Now that Revd Lissa Scott has retired, we have no vicar. So what is being done about it?

Lissa retired at the end of January 2025 and we wish her a long, well deserved and happy retirement. The parish is now in ‘vacancy’ or ‘interregnum’ until a new vicar is appointed.

It is going to take some considerable time to appoint a new vicar. It is too early to say, but it is likely to take over a year; we just do not know yet.

The first step is for the parish to undergo a ‘Vacancy Audit Process’. Durham Diocese will appoint a facilitator who will work with the parish.

The vacancy audit should take about 3 to 4 months and will look at 4 main areas:

· Mission

Are we demonstrating our aim to grow the church, eg with lay people assisting in the running of the church and outreach activities?

· Money

Are we able to support ourselves with regard to day to day and general running costs and can we make a realistic contribution to the Diocese?

· Governance

Do we have the required officers in place, such as members of the parochial church council, churchwardens, safeguarding officer, etc?

· Building

Is the fabric of the church fit for purpose? Are there any major issues? Is work going on to make the church more eco friendly, reduce emissions etc?

The facilitator will produce a report which will be sent to the Bishop’s leadership team who will work out, in consultation with us, what is best for the parish.

Once a decision is taken on what the role will be (see below), we will start the recruitment process which will involve a national advert.

No decisions have yet been taken about a new vicar however it is clear that before long we will no longer be linked with St Matthew’s and St Luke’s Church on Brinkburn Road.

Finances mean that we will not be able to support a full time vicar. It is likely that we will be considering one of the following options:

· A half-time appointment, a single role for one parish, costing half the salary.

· A full-time appointment, sharing with another parish or parishes.

· A full time appointment, shared with another role in the Diocese.

· House for duty – a minister is provided with a house to live in, he/she will then provide ministry to the parish for Sunday and 2 other days. A full-time income will not be required.

· A non-stipendiary minister (ie unpaid). This is very rare.

There will be many questions and if you have any, please ask a member of the parochial church council. One question already asked is what has happened to the money from the sale of the vicarage? That money is held by the Diocese, and can only be used to buy a house for a member of the clergy in the parish.

March 2025