We seek an individual who can help us develop our vision as a welcoming and caring all-age community rooted in the amazing grace of Jesus Christ, worshipping God, sharing His love and providing a safe space for everyone to explore their faith.
There is currently a pastoral reorganisation plan for a new benefice of Ouse Valley North combining Olney with the current Lavendon group of four churches, plus Emberton and Tyringham, currently in a joint benefice with Haversham. The new benefice will have one full time and one part time stipendiary minister, based in Olney and Lavendon.
The role of the Priest in Charge is to support and enable the vision of the church community. They should value diversity and be comfortable with a wide range of traditional and fresh expressions of worship.
The Priest in Charge will also play a key role in the forthcoming pastoral reorganisation of the Deanery and the development of the Benefice of Ouse Valley North.
The Priest in Charge will be committed to the diocesan vision of becoming a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God’s World – contemplative, compassionate and courageous – and to working with others to imagine new ways of growing the church in our community.
We believe our mission for the next 5 years is:
Being a Welcoming Church – making it easier for newcomers to join our church by demystifying church language and providing a personal welcome.
Outreach – sharing God’s love through our involvement with community activities in the town.
Unity and Diversity – providing different styles of worship and other activities for all ages, while maintaining one church community.
Nurturing – providing ways for individuals to grow in faith.
Organisation and Communication – developing consistent communication of all our church activities to both congregation and those beyond it.
We are praying for a new Priest-in-Charge who:
- values diversity and can lead a wide variety of worship, from Choral Evensong to our mix of Contemporary Praise Services, Taize and Celtic Spirituality
- will take the church out into the town, meeting people where they are
- is a team player and has a proven track record of leading teams.
- is fully conversant with the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy and practical guidance. Promotes safeguarding as an integral part of our Christian faith.
- will help us further develop our vision and discipleship for the future.
The new Priest in Charge would be required to build upon the work that has been carried out to develop our vision while at the same time bringing their own vision in prayerfully reaching out to the wider community.
Olney has an older age profile than many towns with the building of new retirement developments and this is reflected in church attendance. We are acutely conscious of the need to reach out to the younger families in the town and develop youth work.
The church has historic connections with John Newton and the Olney Pancake Race which bring many visitors to the church.
For further information about the parish, our vision and our plans and aspirations, and to read the Parish Profile and apply, please visit the Church of England Pathways website.
For an informal conversation to discuss the role further, please contact the Archdeacon of Buckingham, The Venerable Guy Elsmore, via email to: archdeacon.buckingham@oxford.anglican.org
Closing date for applications: 19th January 2025
Interviews: 5th/6th February 2025
Enhanced DBS Disclosure required