The 24 hour ‘Prayerathon’ took place over Saturday and Sunday, 5 and 6 October. Amazingly we maintained a continuous chain of prayer, with members of the church family praying throughout the day and night.
On Saturday morning we met together in church for a morning of prayer and worship. It was wonderful to gather together and commit our church to God in prayer.
We were reminded that our times are in God’s hands and prayed for the timing and process of appointing a new Vicar.
Prayer stations were set up around the church, each giving specific request for prayer for the ministries within our church, including: small groups, children and youth, pastoral support, worship, and, for those involved in leadership and governance: staff, volunteers, members of the PCC, wardens, Parish Representatives.
On Sunday 6th October, as part of Vision Sunday, the church family was given an update regarding the current financial position at All Saints. Please do continue to pray over the finances and, if you do not already have a stewardship booklet, please pick one up from church or download one from the website.
As this new term starts there are lots of things to which we look forward and so much for which we are thankful.
Vacancy News
We officially entered a 'Period of Vacancy' (that is a period without an incumbent) on 6 September. On 23 September the PCC agreed to make a formal request to advertise for a new vicar. The paperwork for this request has now been sent to the Bishop. We wait to hear as to if/when we will be able to advertise.
At the same meeting, the PCC approved the draft documents that have been produced by the Vacancy Working Group. These include the Role Description, Person Specification and Parish Profile. Thank you to all those who contributed to the consultation programme in August. The information given in these documents will help to give a prospective new vicar an insight into All Saints and the role of the new incumbent.
The next stage is for the PCC to meet with the Archdeacon (as the Bishop's representative) to discuss the draft documents, advertising the vacancy, and other aspects of the selection process.
Once this meeting is completed, the two elected Parish Representatives: Alison Fletcher and Michael Gordon will continue to work with the Archdeacon and others within the diocese to discern the final selection process, interview, and make the decisions regarding appointment.
There is a lot of activity and discernment in the Diocese at the moment, and it is not definite that we will be able to advertise straight away. Even if everything runs as smoothly and as quickly as it can, it is unlikely that we would advertise before January 2020.
We have, however, been blessed with a wonderful team of staff and volunteers throughout this Period of Vacancy. A pause also provides an opportunity for the church family to continue to devote themselves to prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide us as a church.
Please continue to pray that all things will be in God's timing. While we are keen to advertise as soon as possible, let us hold on to the fact that all things are in His timing and His plan is greater.
Please pray that God will continue to prepare the way and that He will lead whoever is to be the next vicar of All Saints to apply.
Please pray for our Parish Representative: for wisdom, clarity of thought, strength and discernment.
Whilst we might be without an incumbent, we are not sheep without a shepherd. Let us continue to hold on to the Good Shepherd who told us to love God and to love each other.
Sarah Leighton & Ruth Watkin