I have been asked by churchgoers in our Group of parishes (Branston, Potterhanworth and Nocton) to give an update on plans for future ministry in the Group following last September’s retirement of our Rector.

Our Churchwardens and the Archdeacon of Lincoln have met several times to debate the issue and the most recent proposal was discussed and broadly accepted by Branston Parochial Church Council in mid-April.  It also has the support of church leaders in Potterhanworth and Nocton.  Here is brief outline of what is proposed and why.

Given the shortage of priests in the Church of England as a whole; equally given the shortage of financial resources to pay them; further grouping of neighbouring parishes is almost inevitable if the best use is to be made of staff and money.  It is such a broader grouping that is suggested here.

The borders of the present Group will be extended to incorporate Blankney, Dunston and Metheringham.  The new, six-church, parish will be served by a stipendiary priest with the title “Priest in Charge,” plus a House for Duty priest (unpaid).  Additionally, Readers and retired clergy will be designated as contact persons in each of the villages as an immediate point of reference for parishioners.

Branston PCC has strongly expressed their wish that that the Priest in Charge should live in Branston’s existing Rectory, while the House for Duty colleague would live wherever they could be best deployed in the enlarged Group.

None of this is set in stone and there are many details to be worked out.  Nor is there yet a timescale for the implementation of the scheme.  In broad terms, however, the notion of closer co-operation between Anglican Church communities, and the organised sharing of precious resources, has to be the way forward.  To give your point of view on this subject or to learn what further details are available, please talk to our Churchwardens, Liz Murray and Chris Howard, to PCC members or myself.

Canon Bryan Barrodale