VISION
STATEMENT 2006 - 2011
We
aim to become a Christian family at peace with itself, who,
in the power of the Spirit are willing to take risks in
all aspects of our Mission and Life.
With
total commitment to God’s call and a desire to serve,
we will steward our resources wisely.
Through
working and walking together we seek to share the light
of God’s love within our community.
We
hope and pray that by 2011 we may have set this place on
fire in the power of the Spirit helping to bring re-birth,
joy and hope to all people.
SS
Peter & Paul Church is open to visitors every day and
you are most welcome to come and enjoy it's peace and tranquility
as well as to explore the fabric of this ancient building.
The
church is of great historical interest and has at its heart
the Christian faith. The history of the church runs parallel
with that of St. Osyth Priory. A guide to the building is
availaible on this website and also in the church itself.
Although
the building is generally open throughout the day for all
to visit and appreciate its splendour, our church is principally
a house of prayer and praise where for many generations
the people of the Parish of St. Osyth have worshipped God;
met our Lord Jesus Christ; have grown in faith and then
engaged in his mission.
This
ministry continues today. We believe that God calls us to
be a loving community, inspired by the Holy Spirit, founded
in worship and prayer, proclaiming Jesus Christ in word and
deed. As
part of God's family and the Church of England everyone is
invited to join us
Finding
a replacement for Revd Martin
Many
people have been asking when we are going to have a new Vicar
and why it is takes so long.
When
a parish priest leaves, there is what is known as a vacancy
or interregnum. It is not like most jobs as when someone resigns
the employer can immediately set in motion the process for
finding a suitable replacement. In the Church of England when
a Vicar resigns he or she effectively give up their "living"
in the Parish and they retain the right to that "living"
until they are installed in their new Parish. In Martin's
case therefore, he did not give up his "living"
in St. Osyth until he was installed in Hoylake by the Bishop
of Chester on the evening of 29th June 2009.
Normally
this would mean that our hands were tied until after 29th
June. However, from earlier meetings between the Churchwardens
and the Bishop of Colchester, The Rt Rev'd Christopher Morgan,
it was agreed that we could start the process a little earlier
than would otherwise normally be allowed. This meant for example,
that we were able to start preparing our Parish Profile -
a written insight into our Parish for prospective applicants
- well in advance.
In addition, the Bishop kindly agreed to have his first meeting
with the Parochial Church Council (PCC) on 2nd June 2009.
At this meeting Bishop Christopher outlined the decisions
that the PCC needed to make soon after 29th June. These included:
"
To elect two formal representatives from the PCC to
meet/interview candidates in the company of the Bishop
and Archdeacon.
"
Confirm or otherwise that we will accept applicants
regardless of gender.
"
Decide whether to ask the Bishop to advertise the post
( e.g. in the Church Times)
"
Discuss one or two points raised by the Bishop and Archdeacon
from the Profile
This
subsequent meeting was on 6th July and at this meeting the
PCC agreed that:
i)
The Bishop be requested to advertise the vacancy during the
weeks of the 4th and 11th September 2009. We hope to be able
to interview short listed candidates in the third week of
October.
ii)
The Bishop has also been advised that the PCC were "open
minded concerning the gender of their future Priest but would
expect both suitable men and women applicants to be considered
for the post".
iii)
Mrs Sonia Grantham and Mrs Yrina Morgan Kendall were elected
as our two formal representatives from the PCC to meet/interview
candidates, in the company of the Bishop and Archdeacon.
Following
the advertising of the post in September, three successful applicants
were interviewed on 17th November. Sadly however, it was unanimously
decided not to appoint any of the candidates. The Churchwardens
will be in meeting with the Bishop and the Archdeacon in the new
year to discuss the way forward.
During
the Interregnum, the Church Wardens and the Rural Dean are in
charge of the Parish. Everything carries on as before and we have
the excellent Rev'd Tony Pugsley from Walton and our own Rev'd
Heather Connell to carry out our Services and pastoral work.
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