Finding a new vicar for our Benefice

A note from Pat Cook, Churchwarden

As  you will know, our vicar, David Williams, retired at the end of September.  Several people have asked me about how we find his successor, so I thought you might be interested to learn how we go about selecting a new vicar for our Benefice and what the job entails.

Firstly, we do not have someone moved into the village by the Church authorities, as some have thought.  It is up to the Churchwardens and Parochial Church Councils of the four parishes to advertise, shortlist, interview and appoint.

For reasons best known to the Church of England (and there is much speculation about these), we were not able to begin the process of finding a successor to David before he actually vacated the vicarage in the middle of November.   

Prior to that the Churchwardens of the four parishes had prepared a ‘profile’,  which describes the four parishes and includes a job description and a personal specification.  We had also created an advertisement which has been placed in The Church Times and on the Church of England vacancies website.

You may not be aware that the job is non-stipendiary, ie carries no salary.  All the incumbent gets is the vicarage for free.  Any applicant therefore needs to have an alternative source of income.  The job is also part-time, three days a week, including Sundays.  In essence this means half a day a week for each of the four parishes and services and admin on a Sunday.  This is a big ask for anyone.

In early December we had a meeting with Bishop Colin, the Bishop of Dorchester, (who is currently Acting Bishop of Oxford while Bishop Stephen is on secondment for three months), the Area Dean and the Lay Chairman, Peter Foot of Faringdon, to start the process.  As  patron of the benefice, Lord Faringdon is also involved in the selection.

The closing date for applications is next Tuesday 4th February.  As yet, we do not know whether any have been received.  If they have, interviews are due to take place on 5th March.  However, if there is no-one, or no-one suitable, we may have to go through the process again (and again) until we find the right person for us.  We pray that we will.

We shall try very hard to find that person to lead us into the coming years.  We hope that the village will support him or her when they join us.

I hope this is helpful.  I will keep you posted as to developments.

Faringdon Regent Cinema is pleased to announce it will be showing the following films in January 2020:
 
Weds 8 January -   Lion King (PG)
(2019 - Animation, Adventure, Drama)
After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery
Film duration:  1 hour 58 mins (no interval) 
Free tea/coffee and a biscuit
Matinee Club @ The Regent Cinema, Corn Exchange, Faringdon 
Doors open 12.30pm, film starts at 1pm 
Tickets in advance £4 from Faringdon Information Centre / £5 on the door Matinee Club Membership - Just £24 for 12 films (inc half price pre-booked Blockbuster evening cinema tickets)
 
Fri 31 January - Blinded By The Light (12A)
(2019 - Comedy, Drama, Music)
In England in 1987, a teenager from an Asian family learns to live his life, understand his family and find his own voice through the music of American rock star Bruce Springsteen.
Stars: Billy Barratt, Ronak Singh Chadha Berges, Viveik Kaira
Film duration: 1 hr 58 min plus 15 min interval
Blockbuster @ The Regent Cinema, Corn Exchange, Faringdon 
Doors open 7.00pm, film starts at 7.30pm Tickets in advance £3 U18s, £4 Adult, £10 Family from Faringdon Information Centre Tickets on door £4 U18s, £5 Adult, £11 Family
 
For more info or to join the mailing list, please visit our website 

Tickets can be bought in advance from Faringdon Information Centre, 5 Market Square, Faringdon SN7 7HL

Artweeks is coming to Great Coxwell on 2/3 and 8/9/10 May! As usual we would like to decorate the Reading Room café with children’s artwork. Is there a parent or group of parents who would be willing to get the village children together for a workshop one Saturday in April? Some of the artists would be available to help on the day. 

Please contact Karen if you are able to help: [email protected] 01367 241707 or 07527 256308.

Great Coxwell Parish Council wishes to appoint a new Responsible Finance Officer to replace the outgoing RFO.

The role involves basic book-keeping, payroll, preparing documents for annual audit and attendance at Parish Council meetings.  Full training will be given.  The time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week.

The role provides a fantastic opportunity for involvement in Parish matters and to contribute to our community.  It also comes with a modest honorarium (currently (£400 per annum)

If you are interested in applying, please contact the current RFO (Ian Mason - email: [email protected]) for more information.  Applications to be sent to the Parish Clerk, Jo King ([email protected])

Service 10.30 am Holy Communion commemorating the Baptism of Christ.

The Revd Dick Whittington will be taking the service.  There will be refreshments afterwards.  Everyone will receive a warm welcome.  Please come and join us.

A full list of services to the end of March can be found here.
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• Reception duties in Abingdon, Henley and Thame
• Advisers in Abingdon and Didcot
• Head office administration in Abingdon
• IT support in Didcot and Thame
• Fundraising (from any location)
• Communications and website designers (from any location)

We are a local charity providing free, confidential advice. Last year, our 150 skilled advisers helped over 11,000 local people from advice centres in Abingdon, Didcot, Faringdon, Henley, Thame and Wallingford.  
Many people who come to us face difficult and sometimes frightening problems that threaten to overwhelm them. In 2019 we helped three quarters to resolve their problems. 
For volunteers, we offer a welcoming office environment and an opportunity to gain new skills, meet new people and make a real and valued contribution to your local community, 
It’s up to you when you volunteer. We normally ask for two half days a week but can be flexible. If you are interested, please follow this link:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/oxfordshire-south-vale/volunteer/
Or, if you would like to discuss these volunteering roles, please email Jon Bright, Director: [email protected]
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There is no storm quite like an emotional storm, and the trauma of a separation from a loved one can be devastating and overwhelming. Some people say it feels as if the ground is falling away beneath their feet. It helps if you know there’s somewhere you can go right away for help: Citizens Advice.

If you and your partner or spouse have decided that separation is inevitable, you should try to work out the practical details between yourselves. But bear in mind that you might eventually need to consult a solicitor as well to enshrine your agreement in law, especially if you have assets or children. Going to court should be regarded as a last resort.

Discuss with your ex-partner where you will live, where your children will live, and how to split any money or belongings. If you and your partner are too upset to talk to each other calmly, wait and talk later, or use a mediator.

If your partner makes you feel threatened, get help. Call Refuge or Women's Aid on 0808 2000 247. There is also a Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.  

If you have children with your partner, you are both responsible for the cost of looking after them when you separate, even if you are not married. The parent who moves out might have to pay maintenance to the parent who looks after the children. 

Consider any outstanding debts or loans that you might have, and think about who needs to be informed about the separation. If you pay council tax, or receive benefits or tax credits, get in touch with the relevant people and tell them about your new status.  

Citizens Advice can help you find the ground beneath your feet so you can move on. Call Citizens Advice Adviceline on 0300 3309 042 or come and see us in person. For locations of offices and opening hours visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/oxfordshire-south-vale 

Have you found pieces of old pottery etc when digging in the garden? If so, we would love to see them. Maybe we can tell you more about them, so please bring them to Teas (every second Sunday of the month 2.30 – 5) for identification.
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