The Diocese of Ely is seeking a Rector of The Fen Edge Benefice, Cambridgeshire, serving the Parishes of Sawtry, Glatton and Holme, Cambridgeshire.
Rector of the Fen Edge Benefice
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.
Expectations for the New Rector’s Ministry:
The Benefice eagerly anticipates the new Rector bringing their unique spiritual life skills, perspectives and passion to the role. The following aspects outline the ministry expectations and opportunities awaiting the new incumbent:
- 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.
Our Diocese and Deanery offers:
- 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
Applications and Further Information
- Benefice Profile: Download here
- Application Form: Download here
- Equalitory Monitoring Form: Download here
- Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
- Closing Date: 2 February 2026 at 12noon
- Interviews: 4 March 2026
- Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely
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 relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures . Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce 
The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Our Diocese
The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years.
This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk and the growing city of Peterborough, with its youthful diversity.
Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Some rural areas can be isolated and vulnerable, but these villages are thriving and well located.
The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted senior colleagues, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have over 110 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training.
We expect in early 2026 the announcement of a new Diocesan Bishop, who will probably lead us in a new strategic direction. Meanwhile, our current Mission Strategy devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.
COME AND JOIN US.