We What Your Views
The six PCCs of Cherry Burton, Etton, Dalton Holme, Lockington, Lund, and Scorborough are exploring whether we should work together to share a single full-time Rector between the six village Churches and two Church of England primary schools. This would change from two part-time Rectors: one for Cherry Burton, Etton with Dalton Holme (0.7 FTE), and another serving Lockington, Lund and Scorborough (0.3 FTE/House for Duty). Because this change will affect all six of our villages, we want to hear your thoughts on this proposal, outlined below with space for your comments.
What Are The Potential Benefits?
Funding
None of the existing benefices, by themselves are able to fund the full costs of a full-time Rector into the future, but working together they are confident they can do so, thus providing security for the current post-holder as he leads this exciting joint development.
Recruitment Potential
A new enlarged benefice would ensure that in the future a full-time position can continue to be funded. It would therefore be much more likely to be able to attract younger priests with all the benefits of enthusiasm and energy this brings. It would also mean that for the foreseeable future these parishes could continue to benefit from the current very successful incumbent and this would also provide a sound basis for seeking to recruit a suitably skilled and qualified candidate as and when the current post-holder moves on.
Opportunities for Shared Approaches
The parishes are already exploring opportunities to work together to develop the pattern and scope of worship across the area in a way that has not been possible previously. This should help us deliver and grow a stronger Christian presence across this large rural area.
There will be two church schools within the new benefice, at Cherry Burton and Lockington, and there are many benefits to be gained from having two such hubs serving the children and families of all the villages of the new benefice.
What Are The Potential Challenges?
Parish Identity
We will need to maintain a clear focus on the needs and wishes of individual parishes to ensure they remain the main focus of worship within the new joint benefice. There are already good examples of where this challenge has been addressed under current arrangements.
Managing Expectations
We need to be realistic about what a single shared post can deliver across the six parishes. The parishes will need to work together to establish clear priorities and potential across the benefice.
Providing Effective Support to the Rector
The post will need to receive support from both lay and ordained volunteers across the parishes. This approach will need to build on existing strengths in volunteers who support the active life of our churches. We can learn from others already working in similar situations.