Essex parishioners without a vicar for 16 months have taken to YouTube in the hope of filling the vacancy. The villages of Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre have had no vicar since the Rev Mary Cottee retired in June 2011. After receiving no interest in the post, parishioners made their own video appealing for applicants. Churchwarden Nick Kitchen said: ‘We're looking for somebody with enthusiasm who is flexible and willing to get involved in the community.’ The video, posted on YouTube, features a cardboard cut-out vicar officiating at a wedding, a baptism and a school assembly. The parish has two churches, St Andrew's in Bicknacre and St Mary's in Woodham Ferrers. Currently it has to ‘borrow’ retired clergy and vicars from neighbouring parishes to officiate at some of its services, with volunteers organising other events. So far, only five people have downloaded an application form for the job but nobody has yet returned it.

Pray: for God to raise up people to lead churches and congregations wherever they are needed. (Eph.4:11-12)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-19929905