The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham is advertising for a new Priest in Charge for the parish of West Hucknall. The new priest will be based at the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Ruffs Drive, Westville.
The parish has been in vacancy, or “interregnum” since the previous vicar, the Revd Joanna Stephens, resigned in June 2020 to take up a role as research assistant at the University of Nottingham faculty of science. Stephens had been at the parish since 2012, when it was part of a “team ministry” which also included St Mary Magdalene and St John’s Mission Church. In 2019 West Hucknall became an independent “benefice”.
The advert and parish profile for the new priest indicates that they will be appointed as a “priest in charge” rather than as a “vicar”. This usually indicates that the bishop or diocese plan further changes to the parish. Ashfield Neighbour News has asked the diocese to clarify any proposed changes.
“There has been significant housing development within this parish and there are lots of missional opportunities”, would-be applicants are told. “With our welcoming and supportive church family, a wonderful blend of traditions in our worship and prayer, our modern and versatile premises based in the middle of the community, and the new housing springing up all around, we are well-placed for a new chapter of growth and engagement here in this fast-changing parish, as we look to God to lead us.”
The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Right Revd Paul Williams, said: “It is my prayer that the new vicar of Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s will have the creative leadership and imagination to develop discipleship, plan for growth and reach out to the unchurched of all ages in its locality.” The closing date for Anglican clergy to apply for the position as priest in charge of West Hucknall is 5 May.
