Building peace in our divided worlds: A one-day programme on Saturday 21st March 2026 from 10am to 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Chinnock, BA22 9DP. The unique stained glass windows of St Mary’s, East Chinnock have long symbolised peace and reconciliation. Created and donated by a WW2 German prisoner of war as tokens of peace and gratitude for care by the village, they remain inspiring symbols of reconciliation for our divided worlds today.Drawing on this remarkable legacy, St Mary’s second peace programme is thrilled to welcome speakers Jo Berry CBE and Simon Keyes. For detailed information and how to book, please download the attached flyer. Up to January 31st 2026, ‘Early bird’ tickets are on sale for £20, including tea, coffee, and buffet lunch. Tickets from February 1st 2026 are £25For tickets and more details contact Alex Swarbrick (alexclaire.es@gmail.com)
After failing to get any applicants for the post from the original advertisement, it was agreed that the profile group should be re-convened: not to radically re-write it, as it is essentially very good, but to look at a few areas that might be improved. Suggestions for improvement include: Give a clearer sense of “the journey you’ve been on” since the last vacancy (what has grown, what has been achieved). Group together all the information about the team that an incumbent can rely on, eg. Administrator and LWAs. Include PTO clergy; Also highlight the resource to employ a children’s worker which is a major asset. Clarify and list the priorities that you would like a new incumbent to work with you on. Consider a statement to the effect that the incumbent would not be expected to attend all 42 PCC meetings each year and that you are keen to work with them to develop a sustainable way of doing this. Highlight examples of parishes working together within the benefice. Consider whether use of pictures could be more “arresting”. In the meantime, we will consider possible people who might be encouraged to put themselves forward for the post. Here is the revised timetable. 5 October 2023 Vacancy begins Tuesday 19 September 2023 Acting Archdeacon meets Churchwardens Sunday 15 October 2023 Pre Section 11 meeting, 3:30pm Thursday 14 March 2024 Draft Parish Profile to Archdeacon n/a Draft advertisement to Archdeacon Thursday 4 April 2024 Final Profile to Archdeacon n/a Final advert to Archdeacon Friday 12 April 2024 Advertisement(s) in church press and on diocesan website Thursday 16 May 2024 Closing date for applications, 12 noon Wednesday 22 May 2024 Shortlisting, 7pm, via Zoom Wednesday 12 June 2024 Candidates visit the parsonage house, the church buildings, tour the benefice Thursday 13 June 2024 Interviews at (venue tbc) tbc Licensing by Bishop of Bath and Wells or Bishop of Taunton Patrons Cathedral Church of St Peter Exeter, Martyrs' Memorial & Church of England Trust, Oxford Churches Trust and Bath & Wells Diocesan Board of Patronage
