b'The opportunity - our vision and missionAs part of our discernment process, we havelead us in reaching new people by living consulted our church communities. This has ledand telling Christs story and encouraging to a wide range of comments which reflect thethose who are new to church diversity within the group. have the energy to juggle different We understand that a half-time post will requirerequirements, is pragmatic and energy and commitment from the laity teams. understands how to delegateWe seek someone who has ahave the ability to take what we do vision and a calling, who . seriously whilst not taking ourselves too feels they have a clear calling to ministerseriouslyand finally, has a sense of in our group of rural parishes withhumour!commitment and love and to lead us intowork and share skills with other clergy in a deeper Christian understanding throughour DeaneryLiving Christs Story Of course, like everyone else. is open to new ideas and tolerant of thewe are looking for a people views of others person: someone who is pastoral, is prepared to offer a range of servicewarm, approachable, relaxed and styles including BCP and Commonfriendly and who understands Worship. community. Its important. Of course, we are looking for theSomeone who will offer a prayerful presence world (an archangel would beand pastoral support, who will be the visible perfect).presence of the Church in our communities. We believe that adults in the community, However we will try and be realistic,churchgoers or not, want to know the benefice our new incumbent wont be able topriest by seeing him or her around and about, do everything. We hope they will: in the street, in the shop, at the annual show, at village events, as well as at funerals, weddings be our teacher, preacher, leader and friendand festival services. who will work with us to develop our visionThe priest should be present and available, for the next years and encourage us toa friendly face, someone people can go to at move forward and grow in faith times of need, who will encourage adults and work to identify and encourage others tochildren to feel that the church is relevant to their discern their calling to do Gods work inlives. our parishes recognising individual skillsBuilding on work already taking place in the and putting them to work for the benefit ofbenefice, the new priest will make worship for allyoung people meaningful, a positive experience have the energy and enthusiasm tothey will want to repeat. We believe that the develop the Christian faith amongst thosepresence of a local priest in our schools, getting with young familiescontinuing the workto know the children and involving them in at Bishop Wilton and Skirpenbeck Familyworship has been extremely fruitful. Services.work with the Church of England schools in Bishop Wilton and Bugthorpe. Page 6'