Parochial Church Council

The wheels of the procedure for finding a new Vicar for our parish continue to turn and on 5th January we moved to the next stage, when the Bishop of Colchester came to meet with the PCC to discuss the advertisement and to set out his preferred timetable of events leading up to the interviewing of candidates, which it is hoped can take place on Thursday 8th March 2012. The PCC was also pleased to welcome the Rural Dean, Rev. Guy Thorburn, to share in the discussion.

It was intended that the advertisement would appear in the Church Times etc. on 20th January for two, or maybe three, weeks with a closing date of 18th February; after which time the Bishop and the Archdeacon would ‘short-list’ suitable applicants for interview. The Profile is now on the websites of both the Parish and the Bishop’s Office.

The meeting with the Bishop was very positive; everyone present having the opportunity to share their hopes for the future spiritual welfare and continuing blossoming of the faith in Brightlingsea. Appreciating Fr. Peter’s commitment during his Ministry to the reconciliation of diversity and difference in the parish and his recognition that the Ministry here not only asks for inspired leadership in our Vicar but also a keen parallel interest in local groups and the life of the town, PCC members are sure that this ‘bringing together’ of the Church and the laity is an important element in the furtherance of the Lord’s work here and one which our future leader would embrace.

Of course, the question of the Vicarage – old and possibly new – remains a paramount issue. Not unnaturally, it certainly will be to anyone coming here to live and work. Bishop Christopher was very concerned about the delay in being able to forecast, even with reasonable surety, just when planning permission for the new Vicarage might become a reality and indeed when it could be built. The PCC continues to hope that by the time the advertisement is published Bishop Christopher will be in a position to give an indication of the housing offer within it.

A suggested timetable for the interview day is being prepared for Bishop Christopher’s approval. More detail will be given next month, but all PCC members will be contributing to it until David and Lesley join the Bishop and the Archdeacon on the interviewing panel in the afternoon.

The old adage says “man proposes, God disposes”. Join us in our prayers – we have every faith that this will be so and that He may have already “tapped the shoulder” of the inspired leader we seek.

Lesley Sycamore

Lay Chair / Secretary