We are looking to recruit two young people, inspired by our vision, eager to create space for God in their lives and in the life of our community and city. We have benefitted hugely from our participants in the past.

 

The young people who come to us are part of our ministry team, sharing in the leading and planning of worship, including alternative services, preaching and teaching, welcoming our many visitors to church, stewarding at concerts and event, and the delivery of a range of projects.

 

These have included the relaunch of the Medieval tradition of appointing a Child Bishop, planning a playscheme to run in Holy Week, leading a Spirituality In Nature Group, supporting the work of our choirs, developing the social life of the church, and working on our successful bid to become a sanctuary church.

 

We are open to the year being shaped by the interests and passions of those who join us. You are invited to give a year to helping us shape our engagement with the city through involvement in developing our worship, and creative engagement with the wider life of the church.

 

As a civic church Mancroft has a formal role in the life of the city, including the Remembrance Day Service, Holocaust Memorial Day Service, Norwich Pride, Refugee Week, and a range of carol services for organisations across the city. We have created an Earth Chapel within the church as a place for people to bring their prayers and thanksgiving for the environment.

 

We are working towards our gold Eco Church award, and there will be scope to develop our work n this area. We also explore more informal and creative services using art, poetry and literature. Services have included Taizé worship, Iona Community communion and healing services, and have addressed subjects including #MeToo, Christian Aid Week, migration, praying with Matisse, and Climate Change.

 

We have close links with our neighbouring church of St Stephen’s and the churches of Norwich East Deanery, and there will be opportunities to explore ministry in different settings through deanery networks.

 

In addition to areas of ministry participants are interested in developing there is scope for working with music, bellringing, story and the arts, for example as one of our Choral Scholars or Organ Scholars.

 

We are keen for you to help us expand the offer of the church building as a creative space for use by the community, for concerts and art installations. We also work closely with the Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre and are keen to develop links with the uniformed groups which meet in the Chantry Hall.

 

We offer a committed and enthusiastic staff team, comprising of the Vicar, Edward Carter, Associate Priest, Fiona Haworth, Local Lay Ministers Gill Persicke and Catherine Waddams, as well as many other colleagues including the church wardens and wider team including the director of music, organist, bellringing coordinator and team of vergers.

 

Theological development will be supported by the Norwich Centre of Christian Learning, guided reading, and regular reflection. We can also support attendance at lectures and conferences.

 

The Associate Priest will coordinate the scheme and provide support to the participants. We will provide housing in a rented property within walking distance of the city centre, meeting all housing costs, and pay a weekly living allowance of £85, and meeting any expenses associated with your role.

 

The Diocese of Norwich are offering support through the Diocesan Vocations team, and participants will meet regularly with the vocations outreach officer and, where appropriate, the Bishop’s Officer for Ordination and Initial Training.

 

In addition, a mentor will be available, likely to be a curate, who will meet regularly with participants to offer support and a safe space to reflect with someone unconnected with the running of the scheme in Mancroft.

 

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Revd Dr Fiona Haworth on Tel: 01603 615297 for an informal conversation.

 

If you would like to apply, please send a current CV with the names of two referees and a letter of application outlining your interest in this role, and the interests and passions that you bring to it.