The following content displays a map of the jobs location - South Bank, Middlesbrough
Priest in Charge of St John the Evangelist
Vacancy Reference cofe/TP/117251/9294
Introduction
Is God calling you to be the new Priest in Charge of St John the Evangelist in South Bank, serving a community on the north east of Middlesbrough?
St John the Evangelist Church is a church ‘in the community and for the community’. Known for the strength and warmth of its welcome, it has been described as ‘a gem of a parish in a deprived community’. We enjoy a strong sense of togetherness; everyone joins in to support the church and those whom we serve. After many years of decline, our community is undergoing a period of change with new homes being built and hope rekindled. We are looking for a priest who can help us renew our energy and focus and discern how the Spirit is leading us into the future, telling of the transforming love of Christ for all.
Prayer and the sacraments are at the heart of our community life; our worship is centred on the celebration of the Eucharist with a robed choir and Sunday School and is well attended. The congregation are enthusiastic and value the richness of varied Anglican traditions and spirituality. Our beautiful grade II church, built in red brick, is widely used especially for weddings and christenings and we have an active funeral ministry.
We value sharing life together with regular socials such ‘Pie and Pea’ suppers and fundraising events. Every week we run a Breakfast Club, offering a warm space and good company and an Eco Shop, providing good quality second hand clothing and household goods. Our monthly Family Faith Club shares bible stories in creative ways for local children and our long-established Mother’s Union is well supported.
We are keen to build on our strong community relationships, looking outward towards the new housing estate, with young families and teenagers in mind. For example, this might include noisy and messy church, a mother and toddler group and a link with the local school. At the same time, we want to continue and develop our care for the elderly, with support for our care homes and a livestreaming service for the housebound.
We are praying for a faithful priest who will:
- Prayerfully and innovatively guide us through the changes that lie ahead
- Nurture and grow the existing church communities, encouraging meaningful worship, through Sacrament and Word
- Be a teacher and preacher of God’s word and someone who encourages the development of people’s spirituality, gifts and service
- Help us to reach out to the new housing developments to widen our congregation
- Continue to make our church part of the community, reaching all parts of the Parish
- Inspire children, young people and families to deepen their faith and become part of the worshipping community
- Enable us to overcome the financial challenges in the parish
This is a four day a week role (half-stipend, plus the vicarage), albeit there is flexibility for the Priest-in-Charge to spread hours across the week or work on specific days. We hope this might appeal to someone who would like to find a different rhythm of life whilst focusing on a single community. Applications are encouraged from both women and men.
For more information and informal enquiries, please get in touch with:
Amanda Bloor, Archdeacon of Cleveland adcl@yorkdiocese.org | 01642 706095
Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby | bishopofwhitby@yorkdiocese.org | 01642 593 273
About Us
The Diocese of York, led and guided by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, takes in much of North and East Yorkshire. As the largest diocese in England, geographically, the area is very diverse, featuring a multitude of needs and opportunities. This includes the bustling urban centres of York, Hull and Middlesbrough, the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park, and the incomparable Yorkshire Coast; as well as areas of deprivation in some of our urban and smaller rural and coastal communities.
Our mission and ministry relies on thousands of people – lay and ordained, volunteer and paid. Our diocesan teams provide a wide range of support services to our mission and ministry, including lifelong learning for ministry, the care of church buildings, and safeguarding. Together, we are striving to be a people who are ‘Living Christ’s Story’. We want to be a simpler, bolder, humbler church which in its diversity reflects the communities it serves. We are bringing renewed focus and fresh energy to achieving our aims:
- Becoming more like Christ
- Reaching those we currently don’t
- Growing in discipleship, influence and numbers
- Transforming our finances and structures
The Diocese of York is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Find out more here: Safeguarding in the Diocese of York
Appointment is subject to pre-appointment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure. Under current immigration rules, it is not possible for us to appoint clergy who are not already eligible to work in the UK.
Closing date for applications: Thurs 20 November, midday
Interview date: Wed 10 December
