Half-time Priest-in-charge of the Somerleyton benefice

Escape to the Country!

We are a benefice of five parishes with Great Yarmouth to the north and Lowestoft to the south.  We are mainly in the beautiful north Suffolk countryside, bounded by the A47 to the east and the River Waveney to the west.  Much of the land is part of the Somerleyton estate which attracts many visitors to Somerleyton Hall each year.  Our benefice is a ‘sought after’ area, quietly rural yet within easy reach of its two adjacent towns and, of course, Norwich itself.  There are two schools, Blundeston Church of England Primary, and Somerleyton Primary which is opposite the Rectory.  We are welcoming, with a concern for our environment and for one another.

We are looking for a priest who:
1. can develop our understanding of God and his word;
2. will continue to build up the togetherness of our Group;
3. has a real love of people and understands, and is comfortable with country life;
4. will help us, guide us and lead us to bring new and younger people into
the churches with a monthly family service;
5. prays for and with us and enriches our worship and its relevance in our lives;
6. encourages outreach in our parishes with the Christian gospel;
7. understands the advantages of good administration, communication, and being
visible around the benefice.

We can offer you:
1. A warm, welcoming, group of churches in beautiful countryside.
2. A commitment to the Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing.
3. The opportunity to work with five parishes.
4. Committed, willing, supportive and hard-working congregations.
5. Our prayerful and working support.
6. A four-bedroomed bungalow Rectory in Somerleyton, opposite the Village School, set in part of the Somerleyton estate.

To apply, please download and complete the application form and confidential declaration form and return them to Graham Cossey by email (graham.cossey@dioceseofnorwich.org), with a signed hard copy to Baysfield House, Silfield Road, Silfield, Wymondham NR18 9NW.

For an informal conversation about this post, please contact The Rt Revd Ian Bishop, Bishop of Thetford on 07715 102519 or email bishop.thetford@dioceseofnorwich.org.