THE BENEFICE of with COSSINGTON & BAWDRIP

Dear All, faith, of experience, of God’s gifts to us. It is my prayer that we will learn to trust each The advert has at last appeared and we other and that the kingdom of God will grow wait hopefully for God’s person to apply for in this area. the post of Rector. As we look to the future Pray that God’s person will hear God’s call and the proposed linking of our benefice to come and serve the communities in this with that of and there is area and will obey that call. Pray that we quite naturally some apprehension as to will receive that person with trust and joy. how it will work out in practice. In any amalgamation there are always fears about May God bless us all in this New Year and the unknown; the temptation to divide into in this new phase of our church life camps of ‘them’ and ‘us’; the desire to hang together! on to the past. Yours in the love of Christ. As we begin this new chapter in the life of the churches in this area it is my prayer that we will be enriched by the sharing of

The following is the text of the advert that appeared in the Church Times on Friday 13 January. Hopefully this will encourage a number of applications. A copy of the Profiles of the five parishes is now available from one of us or the Diocesan web-site. Please continue to pray for the situation and those involved in the selection process.

Churchwardens of the Benefice RECTOR DESIGNATE

NEW BENEFICE comprising the parishes of Woolavington, Cossington and Bawdrip and Puriton and Pawlett

Located along the and the Levels in Rural Somerset..

We are looking for a Rector to lead our proposed new Benefice as we continue working towards ever more effective rural ministry in our five parishes. Can you lead and inspire us?

We want to work with you to: Place our churches at the heart of each community Discern & develop talents and gifts Reach out in love and pastoral care to everyone

With an Associate Priest and six Reader colleagues you will need to be an effective team leader and have a passion for pastoral care. An understanding of the demands and rewards of rural ministry is essential. We seek an effective and inspiring preacher of the Good News who is committed to enabling God’s people to become His ambassadors of that message in their lives, words and deeds.

Modern four bedroom Rectory in quiet location.

Closing date for applications: Monday 13th February 2012. Interviews: Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd March

Application pack available from:The Archdeacon of Taunton 2, Monkton Heights, West Monkton, Taunton TA2 8LU Tel. 01823 413315. E-mail: [email protected] www.bathwells.org.uk