Upper Wylye Valley Team

Last Updated: 26th September 2018 What's New ?

Welcome

This website gives a broad overview of life in the Upper Wylye Valley, an insight to the various groups of people who contribute to the myriad activities that take place here and, we hope, a glimpse of not only what happens but of where the challenges remain and where the gaps can be filled. It is a beautiful part of rural England and at this time in a hot summer, the crops are ripening well. The website itself is dynamic in that it is always 'work in progress'; it is updated periodically but sometimes articles or activities that seem to have 'passed their sell-by date' remain because they can be seen as an example rather than just an advertisement. For those seeking a pot-pourri of happenings, occurrences and events may we point you to the Upper Wylye Parish News for current items and to its archive for previous ones. Whatever your interest, we welcome you to this site and hope you find what you are looking for.

The Vacancy - and where we are in the process

Change is afoot in the Upper Wylye Valley Team.

With the departure of Revd Ali Morley, we are officially in a ‘Vacancy’ and despite advertising in May and June in the Church Times for a new Priest-in-Charge, no applicants have emerged. The Ven Alan Jeans, Archdeacon of Sarum writes to us:

“The closing date for enquiries for the post of Priest-in-Charge did not produce any applicants. This is not an unusual situation for me, which I experience in other vacancies across the Archdeaconry, and we know there is someone 'out there' for you. Having met with the Rural Dean and your Selection Panel, I am greatly encouraged to hear that your Ministry team is coping well, bolstered by the committed group of PCC officers in your church communities. Please continue to help in any way you can.

The Upper Wylye Valley Team Profile will remain on your own website for anyone to view, and in due course, we will advertise again. Also, do continue to network this position, and pass any interested parties you may come across to my office via your Churchwardens. Do also continue your prayers for the right person to come and join us. The system will move in support as quickly as it can but also as slowly as is prudent.

My prayers and best wishes for a positive and speedy appointment for you”.

The Team Profile, which complements and supplements this website, is published here and the prayer we are all using at this time is below. For the time being, the Team Vicar, Revd Clifford Stride, is in charge and he is supported by a robust and resilient organisation of retired clergy, lay worship leaders and many others that is determined to ensure that life in our valley, in our churches and in our communities continues as seamlessly as possible. Clergy details can be found via the website Menu.

A period of Vacancy can often be a time of opportunity as well as reflection and the spiritual life of our Team carries on not just as usual but optimistically. We look back with pride but forward with anticipation to building, under new leadership, on the firm foundations we are so fortunate to have.

The Team Prayer that we are all using at this time is shown below:

Eternal God, loving Father,
You have taught us through your Son how to care for all your people:
Be present with us in these months of change.
Guide our decisions and help us to know your will,
that this may be a time of discovery and growth.
Teach us to value each other’s gifts in ministry,
to find new ways of reaching out to our neighbours,
that in your good time we may welcome our new
Team Rector Designate with confidence and joy
for the glory of your name and the building up of your kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen