We will be saying goodbye and thank you to our chaplain Debbie Flach at the end of November and there will be a special service on 24 November at 10:30.
Our Archdeacon, Peter Hooper, is going to be working closely with the Churchwardens and the Church Council.
Here is a summary of what happens next.
Background information:
- The PCC will consult with the congregation, and prayer activity is important to discover who God is calling to fill the post.
- ICS (the Intercontinental Church Society) is the church patron. This means that they have a role to play in the appointment of a new chaplain. They will be involved in later stages of the recruitment, and will present the chosen candidate to the Bishop (who can accept or refuse) but Archdeacon Peter Hooper will be managing the preparations, using his wide experience over the last few years.
- Time will be taken to find the right person for the post.
The Churchwardens and the Church Council will prepare the paperwork:
- Role description: A strategic review and vision for the future is needed. What do we want a new chaplain to do for us?
- What are the skills and talents needed for that role?
- What remuneration package will be offered?
- Marketing support: why someone should come to CCL, what we are proud of, what are the benefits of living in Lille.
Timeline
- A vacancy meeting is held to accept the paperwork prepared by the Archdeacon and the Church Council
- Under Church of England regulations, the question has to be asked whether we accept a female priest.
- Three representatives from the chaplaincy are elected to take part in interviews.
- Once the paperwork is complete, an advertisement will be sent out.
- Applications are viewed by the Bishop, ICS and the Archdeacon and a long list drawn up.
- Those on the long list are interviewed over Zoom.
- A short list of three are then invited to a discernment day: all candidates visit the city and the church, meet the PCC and are interviewed.
- The chosen candidate is presented to the Bishop. If agreed, the Diocese will assist with visa process if someone is not in Europe.
- It is hoped that an appointment can be made before the summer holidays in 2025; when the person can take up the post will depend on various factors but should be by autumn 2025.