Archdeacon Verena Breed led a positive and informative Vision Meeting on Tuesday 25th July 2023 in which she explained the vacancy process, invited those present to start exploring the top priorities that, as a Mission Community, we are looking for in our new Priest and to share the Vacancy Timetable (copy attached). A table showing the most frequently sought priorities (collated from other Parishes that have gone through vacancy periods) was distributed and in small groups we were invited to choose 3 statements that we each felt were a priority for us and to add any additional ones that came up during discussion. The results table is attached. This revealed that the top priorities that we, as a representation of the entire Lyn Valley Mission Community, are looking for in our new Priest are:- · Involved in Schools Work· Being visible and active in the wider community· Able to lead and enable a variety of worship· Strong preaching and teaching As a Mission Community we now need to begin to work on creating a Parish Profile (effectively the job advertisement for the new Priest). Archdeacon Verena has suggested that a Parish Profile Drafting Group be formed; 5 or 6 people from throughout the Mission Community who will work together to oversee the creation of this document by using input from each of the Parishes - the emphasis is that the Lyn Valley Mission Community is one body united by the beauty, uniqueness and individuality of 6 Parishes and 8 Churches. Please let administrator Sam White know by Wednesday 2nd August 2023 if you would like to be part of the Parish Profile Drafting Group?
As Lyn Valley Mission Community enters a Vacancy (the period of time between one Vicar leaving a Parish and a new one being appointed) you are invited to attend a Vision Meeting on TUESDAY 25th JULY 2023 at St Mary's Church, Lynton starting at 7pm (refreshments from 6.45pm). This is an opportunity for residents across the Lyn Valley Mission Community (both Church and the wider communities) to hear from the Archdeacon of Barnstaple Verena Breed as she explains the Vacancy process, what can be expected between now and when the new Incumbent has been selected and to start the process of discerning what we are looking for in our next parish priest. If you have any specific questions that you would like put to Archdeacon Verena Breed please could these be emailed to lynvalleymissionoffice@gmail.com in advance of the meeting. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.Kind regardsSam WhitePart Time Administrator
To Members of Diocesan SynodAll Deanery Officers With Bishop Robert’s retirement planned for the end of September, a discernment process is already underway to find the next Bishop of Exeter.You are encouraged to fill in our short online survey so your views and ideas can be considered. Click here to fill in the survey. The process is being overseen by the Diocese of Exeter’s Vacancy in See Committee. The Archdeacon of Exeter, Ven. Andrew Beane, is Deputy Chair of the Committee and said "I would love every parish, mission community and individual to fill out this survey. The answers you give to these simple questions will help us to gauge the kind of person we are looking for, and they will help whoever becomes the new bishop to gain insight into what we are like as a diocese and the challenges and opportunities we face." Please also consider printing the survey out if you know people who do not have online access. It can be scanned to: communications@exeter.anglican.org or posted to Vacancy in See Committee, EDBF, the Old Deanery, the Cloisters, Exeter, EX1 1HS.The appointment process is expected to take 12 months, with our next diocesan bishop announced in June 2024. Click here for the full timeline. Here is this week’s Roots & Shoots: https://mailchi.mp/bf54ba600833/welcome-to-our-rootsshoots-newsletter-6139631
Dear Friends,As my ministry here comes to a close, thank you for all we have shared. It was wonderful to be with many of you today for my final service, and I am grateful for all the good wishes and promised prayers of those who couldn't be there. Thank you to all those behind the organisation of the splendid buffet after today's service too. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of your gifts and delighted to be taking with me some local treasures as well as the anticipation of treats to come once I have moved. In the days to come, please keep me in your prayers as I will keep you, with thanksgiving, in mine.God blessSamantha
