You don’t exactly know what to expect when you step into a new role. The job description and the parish profile tell you a lot about that role but they can’t, and don’t, say everything – perhaps deliberately so.
They tell you what they can, but a discerning spirit is needed if you are to discover what’s unsaid or understated.
Once in the role, beyond the application, the interview and the appointment, reality sets in. Your post is either what it was billed to be or something completely different.
Either way, you are insitu and have to make the best of it.
When I went through the job description and parish profile for the role of Vicar of St Cuthbert’s,
the overwhelming thought that went through my mind was ‘this is a church with great potential!’
I read the job description and parish profile over and over again, and the more I read, the more I got excited by the ‘great potential’ that screamed out at me.
I went on a visit with a parishioner and the excitement grew.
Now it’s been six months since my induction as Vicar of St Cuthberts.
In that time, reality has set in: my eyes have been opened and I am more clued in about what the job description and parish profile said.
Thankfully nothing’s changed for me. If anything, my first impressions are being reinforced every day – this is a church with outstanding potential.
As I continue to settle and grow into the role of Vicar, I’m getting to know the people and the parish better. I’m also getting a better feel for the expectations that come with being the new Vicar.
Some people want change now and others don’t want change ever.
’m discovering that much of the vicar’s job is learning how to safely straddle these divergent expectations.
Expectations are normal.
The challenge, however, is not to be so burdened or chained by them as to be become ineffectual. St Cuthberts is a special church. It stands in the center of the community, we have the opportunity to be a place for good in Croxteth Park and beyond and It’s how we realise that potential. That’s the task and challenge we face together.
Realising our potential is being a church that’s first and foremost a praying church.
Our church must be a place of where the presence of God is pleased to dwell; a place Prophet Isaiah describes as a ‘house of prayer for all peoples’.
Our praying is a recognition that we are dependent on God for the success of the work God has entrusted to us. Whatever we will be as a church, whatever we will accomplish in the name of God for the Kingdom of God, will begin with prayer.
Ours must be a church where people of every colour, ability, age and sex are drawn and our Mission statement is loud and clear, to share His/her love with our community!
St Cuthberts is a place for all people, for all generations and we work to support and be a community serving the bigger community all of whom by simply living on the estate belong and own St Cuthberts Church.
So everybody -come and join us, use our hall for your businesses and join us in the different worship times. We are serving the older generation and the young, we care for those with Mental health issues and those who have none. We have started APlace2B a community cafe with a special care for those who have mental health issues. A safe space to just B every Monday 11-2pm.
We have Gentleman Dads and Lads every 2nd Saturday of the month 10-12:15 a space for men to be men and boys to be boys and bacon and sausage butties too!
We have mums and tots and something for over 55s, We have keep fit, we are running new Mindfulness courses, and social events.
Come and give us a try you may be pleasantly surprised, and do come and introduce your self to me, I am around most days in and out of school or the church or peoples houses. I even get my hair washed here or give me a ring. Because I am here to help, I am here to support. I am here.....
God bless
Laura