Rector Fen Edge Benefice, Cambridgeshire

Rector of The Fen Edge Benefice, Cambridgeshire

The Diocese of Ely is seeking a Rector of The Fen Edge Benefice, Cambridgeshire, serving the Parishes of Sawtry, Glatton and Holme, Cambridgeshire. These 3 parishes are situated close to the A1, 10 miles south of Peterborough and about 30 miles from Cambridge. Sawtry is a growing village with a population over 7000, and both primary and secondary schools;
Glatton and Holme are smaller villages, with mixed populations of commuters and local workers. Agriculture is important to the life of the parishes, alongside those who commute to the major cities or homework. The church communities have grown over the last 5 years, with growing numbers of children and young people and their families joining All Saints, Sawtry. In line with diocesan policy, we expect All Saints to become a base church for young people from the area, and will be looking for our next Rector to build on this area of ministry.

The parishes demonstrate a strong commitment to working together in pursuit of their shared mission. This spirit of partnership is actively encouraged within the Benefice, fostering a sense of unity whilst also respecting the distinct identities present among the church communities. Both contemporary evangelical with modern music and traditional worship with established hymns and liturgies are recognised and valued, supporting the different needs and approaches of each parish.

• Adaptable and Tailored Ministry:
  The three active parishes within the Benefice each possess distinct demographics, worship styles, and growth challenges. The new Rector is encouraged to adopt a ministry approach that is both tailored and adaptable, ensuring that the varied needs and characteristics of each parish are met effectively.
• Passion for Mission and Community Engagement: A core expectation is a genuine enthusiasm for mission, demonstrated through active engagement with local communities. The Rector should enhance outreach by employing strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective interaction with groups of all ages.
• Children and Youth Ministry:
  Continuing and nurturing the growth of children and youth ministries is a priority. The Benefice values a Rector with a heartfelt commitment to developing these vital areas, ensuring that young people are supported in their spiritual journeys.
• Strong Relationships with Local Schools:
  Building on the established, close working relationships with Holme CofE Primary Academy and the Sawtry schools (Infant, Junior Academy, and Village Academy) is essential. Productive interaction with these schools and active participation in village life, with a particular focus on families with young children, are central to the Rector’s role.
• Equipping and Empowering the Fellowship:
  The Rector is also expected to encourage and equip members of the fellowships in their personal spiritual growth and the development of their individual gifts. By supporting church members in fulfilling their callings and sharing their faith, the Rector will help to advance the vision of ‘taking the church into the community’.
• Financial Awareness:
  The Rector will have an awareness of rural ministries and the challenges of maintaining listed churches to encourage our PCCs in the development of budget setting and fund‑raising plans.

• spacious modern rectory in quiet street
• friendly supportive chapter colleagues
• well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
• generous and pastoral senior leadership

• Benefice Profile:
  Download here
• Application Form:
  Download here
• Equalitor Monitoring Form:
  Download here
• Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw
• Closing Date: 2 February 2026 at 12noon
• Interviews: 4 March 2026
• Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training…