Tag Archives: Rector

Leadership, Prayer, St John's Church, Vacancy

Vacancy update

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For those of you keeping track of our recruitment activities, you will know that the closing date for second round of advertising for the post of Rector of Badshot Lea and Hale was in early August. I am disappointed to report that we had no applications, although I have to admit that I am not totally surprised as most parishes take a year to 18 months to fill a vacancy because of the shortage of available clergy. 

We will embark on the third round of advertising soon with a view to interviewing in early January and having someone in post just after Easter 2025. Especially with this type of role, it is about finding the right person at the right time in their ministry and we continue to pray that God will send us the right person at the right time.

I am pleased to report that the team managing the parish during the vacancy has settled into a sound routine and are ready for a long vacancy should that be the case. 

That is not to say that we have not had our challenges, including Rev’d John Evans being unwell for so long. He is now on the road to recovery and leading our services again. We have also realised that Rev’d David Camp needs the support of an incumbent to complete the remaining two years of his training. While we will be sad that we will not see as much of him from September, we are fully supportive of his move to Frensham as the right decision to help him along his ministry journey. 

The news that the tower at St John’s is in a worse state than we thought adds another challenge to just doing the normal. Click here for details of fundraising.

My thanks to those across the parish who are pulling together to help us deliver business as usual to the best of our ability.  If anyone feels that they can help contribute please contact either Stella or me.

Dave Walter
PCC lay vice-chair

Vacancy

Vacancy update

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The time without a rector will be longer than hoped

As you will probably remember, the timetable for interviews for the new rector of the parish had shortlisting at the beginning of April and interviews at the end of April.  We received one application for the post which was duly discussed at the shortlisting meeting and, after careful consideration, the shortlisting group unanimously agreed that the applicant was not suitable to take forward to interview.

This means that we move to a second round of advertising and interviews. The Church of England has some particular rules about how the process runs, including timescales, and our next round runs into the summer holiday season.  This means the agreed timescale for the second round is:

Advertise in Church Times: Mid-June through late July.
Applications close: 7th August
Short-listing: 14th August
Interviews: 9th & 10th September
Earliest likely start: January 2025

The vacancy will continue to be advertised on the parish and diocese websites.

While this is disappointing, the PCC was always aware that the vacancy could last a year or more, so we have plans in place to cover this period. We are already revisiting those plans to check that they are fit for purpose. One of the key factors that makes our planning easier is that we are looking forward to David Camp being ordained as priest at the end of June. This will give us one additional person to lead communion services.

Any questions please do speak to your church warden, to me, or to Stella.

Dave Walter, PCC Lay Vicechair

Inclusion, Vacancy

We’re looking for a new rector

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The hunt is still on for a new rector of the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale.

We haven’t had any suitable applicants yet so we are still advertising and an advertisement is currently in The Church Times. If you know someone who might be interested please point them in our direction.

The advert states:

Badshot Lea and Hale is an inclusive parish in north Farnham with three churches and congregations who enjoy their differences and celebrate their unity.  We are looking for a rector who is kind, easy-going, approachable and fun and who will encourage us on our continuing journey with God.

We want to be a parish that:

  • has a deeper connection with God, our community and one another
  • welcomes all ages and local schools into our churches
  • develops our existing culture of vocation
  • uses our buildings for the benefit of the whole parish

We are praying for a Rector who is:

  • a collaborative leader, capable of delegation
  • able to help us grow younger and increase congregation numbers
  • sensitive to different styles of worship
  • dedicated to inclusion

We offer:

  • welcoming congregations
  • administrative support and a spacious house
  • a thriving town with a lively arts scene

To find out more, click on the parish profile here: 

Parish Profile – Badshot Lea and HaleDownload