Priest-in-Charge, Swaffham and Sporle

Swaffham is an attractive, bustling market town in west Norfolk. The parish church and churchyard form an oasis of peace just off the high street.  The benefice includes the nearby village of Sporle, and the two churches work well together.  This is a lovely role with enormous potential for a priest in the modern catholic tradition with a heart for building up and encouraging each church to witness to God’s love and become a vibrant focal point of the community.  The benefice has good transport links by road and Norwich and King’s Lynn (main line stations to London) are 35-45 minutes away.

Our churches are praying for a priest who will

• build up and encourage both churches to be vibrant focal points of our communities, as a witness to the love of God for all
• represent and be an ambassador for both churches to strength links with the wider community, especially in areas of new housing
• develop our work within our schools in Swaffham and the church school in Sporle
• work with us to develop styles of worship that will reach a different demographic, enabling us to become younger and more diverse
• discern and encourage new vocations, and develop teams for pastoral care
• grow our congregations through outreach activities, including greater use of social media

Key characteristics of post holder:

• an ordained priest in the Church of England, or a Church in communion with the Church of England with a desire to see lives transformed by Christ
• personally rooted and confident in their love of God and God’s love for others
• an inspirational preacher and leader of worship with an innovative approach to sacramental worship
• able to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
• an experienced leader, excited to work with two willing congregations in their communities as we grow in faith and in number
• approachable, visible, with good interpersonal and communication skills
• understands the importance of being visible across our communities

We offer supportive congregations, an active ministry team and experienced and committed Churchwardens and PCCs. The Rectory is a comfortable 4 bedroom home in the heart of Swaffham, about a five minute walk from Swaffham church.

More information can be found in the profile and Diocesan notes.

If you would like an informal conversation about this post, please be in touch with the Archdeacon of Lynn, The Ven. Catherine Dobson on 01362 709200 or email archdeacon.lynn@dioceseofnorwich.org

Please submit your Application and Confidential Declaration Form by  9.00am on 29^th October  to Mrs Ann Whittet (PA to the Bishop of Lynn and Archdeacon of Lynn) by email to ann.whittet@dioceseofnorwich.org with a hard copy in the post to: The Bishop’s Office, Commercial Road, Dereham NR19 1AE’