We are sorry to report that we received no applications for this role by the time of the closing date on 10 October. This was disappointing news. Following a meeting with the Assistant Archdeacon, Revd Jane Curtis, our Rural Dean, Clifford Stride, and members of the interview panel, we do have a plan for going forward. The Bishop and Archdeacon were very impressed with the profile which we had prepared. We are going to look at reviewing the wording around the “interim” nature of the post to make it clear that this would become a permanent role after review. It is because this is a new role with a different focus from before, that it is to be reviewed after a few years.The role will continue to be advertised on the Diocese website, and also on our own websites, with the profile available to view. This means that if anyone is interested in the role and wants to apply, they may do so at any time. Previous experience in the local area has shown that sometimes candidates become available after the closing date, so applications outside the usual schedule are still welcome.If we haven’t received any suitable applications in this way, then we will re-advertise in the New Year and an interview date has been set for the spring.Please bear in mind that it is a challenge appointing clergy at the moment, due to a rise in the numbers of clergy retiring, and not so many candidates coming forward for ordination or curates becoming ready to take on Incumbent roles.Please continue to pray for this appointment using our vacancy prayer; and also for those bearing extra responsibilities at this time; for our Ministry Team, churchwardens and PCCs.
You will remember that our former Curate Holly Newton initiated our thinking about how we can make our churches, events and activities more accessible for people with different needs and abilities, and for those with neurodiversity. She has left us with a very comprehensive resource handbook to help us consider how we may review and tailor our activities to include as many people as possible, and help people have a good experience when they come to any of our events. The next meeting of this group will take place on Saturday 22 November from 10.30 am – 12.00 noon. We would love to welcome some more people among us to join in the conversation and lend some input and support. If this is something you are interested in, then please contact myself and I can tell you more about it and where the meeting will be taking place.Gradually, you may notice small changes taking place as we seek to become more inclusive of those with different needs and abilities. We look forward to sharing these with you soon. Thank you.
Please note that this year, the Act of Remembrance on Sunday 9 November in Westbury will take place in the Market Place at 10.55 am and NOT in the town centre War Memorial. This is because of the works going on at the Rotunda nearby. If you are coming to church for the 9.30 am service of Holy Communion at All Saints that morning, please be advised that entry to the churchyard by car will be limited. You will be able to gain access by car, but you will have to leave by 10.30 am at the latest.We recommend that only those who must park in the churchyard, park there for a limited time, and leave as soon as possible after the service. Our service will be a bit shorter than usual, to allow time afterwards to clear up and get out to the Market Place for 10.55 am. Otherwise, please park in the town centre car park or walk to church, if possible!There will be a short simple Act of Remembrance in the town centre on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November at 11.00 am.
We were delighted to welcome Bishop Moses and his wife Mama Rejoice to our Deanery for a week in October. Mama Rejoice came to a meeting of the Mothers Union in Westbury, joined by Dilton Marsh members, and shared something of her work as leading the Mothers Union in Maridi. The MU is very active and runs all sorts of projects to support families and children. We were shocked to hear about the woman who died in childbirth because there was no hospital nearby or midwives available. We were reminded about how blessed we are to have the NHS in our country, which we sometimes take for granted. The MU also supports children’s education, where the only schools require fees and many families can’t afford them. They are very grateful for our donations towards the children’s bursaries which mean that some children can go to school and have an opportunity to develop their lives and be lifted out of poverty. Our fundraising also goes towards supporting the Chaima Institute which educates young people in practical tasks such as agriculture, as well as giving them a Christian education in theology. Bishop Moses expressed his heartfelt thanks for all our support, prayers and donations.Please continue to support this vital work out in a very vulnerable part of the world. We take a special collection at coffee-time after our services at All Saints on the second Sunday of the month. Thank you for your continued support.We also have a prayer letter which comes out once a month from the Maridi link. I’m attaching the latest copy and there is a hard copy at the prayer wall in All Saints. Here is a message of thanks from Bishop Moses and Mama Rejoice:Dear beloved partners in the Heytesbury Deanery, Diocese of Salisbury,Warm greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!On behalf of the Diocese of Maridi, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to you for the warm invitation and gracious hospitality extended to the Bishop of Maridi and Mama Rejoice during our recent visit from 6th to 12th October.We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share in fellowship, worship, and mutual encouragement during our time with you. Your kindness, generosity, and Christian love were evident in every aspect of our visit—from the homes that welcomed us, to the churches and gatherings where we were so warmly received.Our time in Heytesbury Deanery was both spiritually enriching and personally encouraging. The bonds of friendship and partnership in the Gospel were strengthened, and we return to Maridi with joyful hearts and a renewed sense of unity in Christ’s mission.Thank you once again for walking alongside us in faith and ministry. May the Lord bless and continue to use you all mightily in the service of His Kingdom.With deep appreciation and every blessing in Christ,+ Moses and Mama RejoiceOn behalf of the Diocese of Maridi
