Vicar of the Benefice of Crosthwaite, Cartmel Fell, Witherslack and Winster (held in plurality) and Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Underbarrow with Helsington

Introduction

The parishes of Cartmel Fell, Crosthwaite, Underbarrow with Helsington, Winster and Witherslack are nestled within the southern corner of the Lake District National Park UNESCO World Heritage site. Might God be calling you to this place of spiritual renewal in this remarkable landscape? Our new Vicar will not only be at the very heart of our village life but will also be warmly welcomed into the hearts of all our congregations.

The Incumbent will:

• be an inspirational and engaging leader, having vision and passion for the task of mission and deepening of faith
• help us to discern God’s priorities for us, and lead and support us as we embrace change
• develop a broader outreach to the wider community, especially younger people and families
• strengthen the links with the three schools in the Mission Community to increase their Christian ethos
• be respectful of tradition yet excited by new opportunities for growth, so that our churches can flourish.

We offer:

• warm, friendly and very supportive PCCs and congregations
• a committed ordained and lay ministry team
• a part-time paid administrator
• a place and people with active environmental concerns, including a church with Silver Eco Church status
• a four-bedroomed vicarage with newly installed solar panels in the centre of the beautiful Lakeland village of Crosthwaite, within easy reach of the thriving market town of Kendal, with its mainline railway station and easy access to the M6.

If you think you may be who we are looking for, please take a look at our Parish Profile to get to know us better. We very much look forward to meeting you and sharing in this new chapter of your ministry.

For more information contact the Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness: Ven Vernon Ross / Email: archdeacon.south@carlislediocese.org.uk Tel: 07388 377105 

This is a full-time stipendiary post (£31,840 as at April 2025)

For more details and application pack please visit: https://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/vacancies/vicar-priest-charge-churches-lyth-and-winster-valleys/

Please send completed applications to liz.howson@carlislediocese.org.uk 

Closing date: 28^th January 2026 

Interview date: 16^th March 2026