We continue to prayerfully proceed with the process of backfilling the Priest-in-Charge vacancy for the Benefice of the Barony of Burgh, which includes the Parish of Orton—our church, St. Giles. The Parish of Orton is comprised of Baldwinholme, Great Orton, Little Orton and Orton Rigg. Thank you to everyone within our parish who took the time to respond to the two-month consultation period on the needs of our parishes and traits of our next Priest-in-Charge. Within the Parish of Orton we received 12 responses. Across all five parishes 65 responses were received. It has been a very helpful exercise and has provided a clear picture of the issues which matter most to our communities. All the responses have been carefully read and considered and will be very useful as the process of filling the vacancy continues. The next stage is the production of the Benefice Profile—a document which will be sent to potential candidates for the post. Each parish’s PCC will draw their own Parish Page. Our Parish Page is in final review at present. Next a sub-group, representing all the parishes, will work on the overall Benefice aspects. Once the Profile has been completed and approved, working with the Carlisle Diocese, we will be able to proceed to advertising the post.
The Barony of Burgh by Sands (which includes our parish) is currently in vacancy, as our previous Priest-in-Charge, Rev Tudor Boddam-Whetham has been appointed as priest-in-charge at St John's Church on London Road in Carlisle, England. Our pattern of services will continue as usual throughout the vacancy. Anyone wishing to arrange a baptism, marriage or funeral while we have no priest-in-charge is warmly encouraged to contact our Church Warden, Mrs. Elizabeth Reed (01228 642906). Elizabeth will put you in contact with our friendly retired vicar. He will be very happy to assist you.
All parishioners were invited to share their input on what they thought the needs of our parishes are and what traits they hope our next Priest-in-Charge will possess. The closing date for submittals was 31 December 2023. St. Giles received twelve submittals. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts.Background: The five PCC's of our Benefice Parishes invited everyone to submit their thoughts and ideas to help prepare the Benefice Profile which will be offered to potential candidates for our next Priest-in-Charge (following the Reverend Tudor Boddam-Whetham’s transfer to St. John’s, London Road, Carlisle).
