Interim priest in charge St James Westhead
also associate priest St Paul’s Skelmersdale (3 years)
Knowing Jesus, making Him known
Overview
This appointment is Sundays + 2 days at St James and 3 days focussing on developing mission opportunities in Skelmersdale.
St James is a church whose aim is to serve our community, be a place where we can encounter Jesus and make Him known to others. We provide and embrace varying worship styles to meet the needs of the congregation whilst striving to reach out to newcomers. We are a growing church community with a successful school/church partnership and have buildings in excellent condition and a sound financial situation.
We are looking for an energetic, optimistic and forward thinking priest who is able to encourage and develop the ministry of members of the congregation who will work collaboratively with us.
We are offering you a friendly, enthusiastic church family full of ideas with excellent support from the PCC and wardens, an active and much loved retired priest and extensive lay ministry.
Westhead is a thriving village community with Westhead Village Hall which hosts activities for church as well as other local events, Westhead Lathom St James Church of England Primary School, Prince Albert Pub which is popular for meals and also a traditional “local” and a sports field with children’s playground and community orchard behind the school. Other key places that may offer opportunities within the wider parish are Skelmersdale Cricket Club, Warbreck Garden Centre, Ormskirk Golf Club, Ormskirk School, and Ruff Wood.
Skelmersdale is a town of 40,000 with a strong community spirit and attractive green spaces, such as Tawd Valley Park, but it also faces significant socio-economic deprivation, with high rates of long-term unemployment, low household income and poor health. The focus on developing mission opportunities is to build relationships and listen carefully to the community especially in the Concourse, West Lancashire College and Lathom High School and discern where God is already at work and join in!
The Vicarage is a lovely four bedroom detached house. It is situated approximately 5 miles away (a 12 minute drive) from church- far enough away to allow some privacy but close enough to be convenient and 1 mile from Skelmersdale Concourse.
Please see the Person Specification, Role Description, Bishops’ statement and Parish Profile attached for further details of the role and the essential and desirable qualities we are seeking in relation to this post.
Closing Date: 1st November
Interview Dates: tbc
We are continuing our work to actively increase the diversity of those working in the diocese and in pursuit of that we are using anonymous shortlisting.
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Interim Priest in Charge St James Westhead and associate priest St Paul’s Skelmersdale employer: Church of England
The Church of England offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, where your contributions to the governance of church buildings will be valued and impactful. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will receive comprehensive training and opportunities for growth within the Diocese of Liverpool. Join us in a role that not only fosters your administrative skills but also allows you to engage meaningfully with the community and its heritage.
