An attractively modernised three-bedroomed cottage stands in the midst of the rolling Somerset countryside – homeland of a vibrant band of Christians who embrace the title of the Six Pilgrims, steadfastly travelling each Sunday to whichever of the six churches they share that are holding witness.
Yet, without a resident priest over a long period, the active members of the Six Pilgrims hold to their faith and not only efficiently manage the affairs of their individual churches but reach out to the “silent majority” that doesn’t worship regularly while still wanting the church to be there for the big family events, the sense of continuity and the focus of village life.
When one village had difficulty in developing a community spirit through the absence of post office, shop, pub or parish hall their PCC raised over £100,000 to re-order the local church’s interior to provide a kitchen and disabled-access WC and has now become a flourishing centre of social and leisure activities – ranging from a handicraft group to a gardening club, from a “pop-up” shop to a film society.
And waiting in the heart of that same village is that same cottage – acquired to provide a comfortable home for a resident priest ready to join the Six Pilgrims and lead them on to even greener pastures.
Could that be you?
- Someone to live and work amongst us – to wear a dog-collar in the pub or at the fete (metaphorically if not literally).
- Someone who will enjoy the pace, smells and sounds of rural life but also relishes the challenge of welding together six tiny communities spread across 16 square miles of winding lanes and lofty hedges.
- Someone happy to let the churchwardens and the PCCs shoulder most of the administrative burdens while adding a physical presence to God’s Word through pastoral visits to those in need and those who are merely alone.
- Someone whose both hobby and passion is their flock, who will enjoy working with and mentoring the Reader and encouraging even greater lay leadership in tackling the problems facing the wider church in these difficult times.
Are you ready to join our pilgrimage? Come and visit us at the Six Pilgrims facebook page.
For more information and an application pack please telephone or email the PA to the Archeadon of Wells.
Notable dates
Closing date for applications: 23 May 2024 at midday
Visit and interview: 19/20 June 2024