Rector of Hinderwell, Roxby and Staithes with Lythe, Ugthorpe and Sandsend (The Mulgrave Benefice)

Our six churches and villages each have their own distinct identities with some wonderful traditions such as Plough Sunday at Lythe, a sunrise service on the beach at Sandsend on Easter morning, a Rogation service at Roxby and a Crib service at Hinderwell on Christmas eve. Our churches are also important community hubs hosting art exhibitions and concerts, coffee clubs and craft days.

St Oswalds enjoys an excellent relationship with their local Church of England primary school who tell us that the children love being part of their traditions. Importantly, they also love learning about the Christian faith in a way that feels alive and connected to their own lives; a faith that is about relationships, kindness and belonging.

While we are keen to preserve some of our traditions, we are forward thinking in our approach and willing to experiment. We’re exploring ways of working more closely together with a joint PCC and simpler administration; our energies could be better invested in new and family-orientated church engagement with our local communities.

Each church has volunteers and active helpers and across the benefice we are supported by two self-supporting ministers, an authorised lay minister and churchwardens who are comfortable taking services of the word. We have a monthly parish magazine with both church and village news.

This is an attractive post with huge potential. With God’s leading, our team of lay and ordained leaders has a desire to reach beyond the walls of the church buildings. We are looking for someone who can help us :

• Drive and build commitment to mission
• Develop strong leadership skills and allow others to develop theirs
• Build communications with people of all ages
• Be creative and innovative
• Develop and plan our vision for the future
• Work collaboratively
• Inspire young people and families to come to church
• Have an open baptism and marriage policy
• Be a visible presence in the community

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

About Us

Our mission and ministry relies on thousands of people – lay and ordained, volunteer and paid. Our diocesan teams provide a wide range of support services to our mission and ministry, including lifelong learning for ministry, the care of church buildings, and safeguarding. Together, we are striving to be a people who are ‘Living Christ’s Story’. We want to be a simpler, bolder, humbler church which in its diversity reflects the communities it serves. We are bringing renewed focus and fresh energy to achieving our aims :

The Diocese of York is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Find out more here :

Appointment is subject to pre-appointment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure. Under current immigration rules, it is not possible for us to appoint clergy who are not already eligible to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications : Thurs 12 February, midday

Interview date : Mon 9 March