New plans for the Anglican Parish of Braidwood were announced at last Sunday’s service. Bishop Stuart Robinson started the service with the announcement which had been determined by the Archdeacon, the Clergy Appointment Board, and the Parish Council, to leave the search for a new rector in abeyance for a short time ad extend the term of the locum, the Reverend Peter Lord.
Having met with the Wardens and Parish Council a medium term strategy – up to three years – Bishop Robinson’s plan is partly predicated on his conviction that “we need a team approach to ministry in Braidwood and that we need a resident priest living in the Rectory."
From Passion Sunday April 1, the Reverent Gill Varcoe is to be appointed as Intentional Interim Priest (IIP) for a period of up to 3 years. Bishop Robinson said “This is a 2/3 time appointment. Gill will reside in the rectory once it is available. Gill (61) grew up and was educated in the district. She has extensive rural, regional and urban ministry experience and is an able leader, preacher and evangelist. The diocese will provide/maintain a vehicle for Gill (and in so doing assist in meeting the outgoings on the recently purchased Parish car).
In addition Archdeacon Emeritus Des McGuire will be appointed as the Hon. Associate Priest (for approx 1 day per week).
Bishop Robinson also announced that “It is also likely that Peter Malone, commencing theological studies at St. Marks will be assigned to the new Braidwood team for his ministry placement.”
“Further – and at my direction, our Diocesan Mission Facilitator, the Reverend John Barnes, will work with new Parish Council and Father Peter to frame concrete goals and benchmarks in preparation for Gill’s arrival.”
Braidwood will also ‘partner’ with the parish of Bateman’s Bay for the duration of the IIP arrangement. Braidwood will form part of a new eastern region of the diocese under the care and leadership of the Bishop-designate, Ian Lambert, Rector of Bateman’s Bay.
Bishop Robinson said that he would return regularly to Braidwood to personally monitor the progress of the new arrangements.
Bishop Robinson said “The purpose of this whole exercise is to ensure that the parish is ready missionally, spiritually and financially, for the eventual appointment of a full-time, long term incumbent. I do not want this process rushed as I believe we need significant time to discern the mind of Christ, the needs of the community and the broader regional context.”
Email a friend