PCC

We are fortunate in having an enthusiastic and committed Parochial Church Council, whose task is to work with the Parish Priest in taking forward the work and mission of the church in our parish. Any member of the church electoral roll may stand for election to the Parochial Church Council. Members of the congregation who are not included on the roll are encouraged to contact the Electoral Roll Officer. For more information, please contact Mick Robinson on 01279 651644.

So what exactly is a PCC?

PCC stands for 'Parochial Church Council'. The rules of the Church of England say that the principal function of the PCC is the 'co-operation with the minister (Vicar) in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.' It is therefore a shared ministry between clergy and lay people, as the PCC 'consult(s) together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish'.

What is the commitment?

All Saints is blessed with a positive and forward looking PCC. Probably from May 2012, the number of full PCC meetings will be reduced, which will enable members to share their insights, skills and gifts in taking a particular area of the church's life forward, in between full meetings.

What is a Deanery Synod?

'Synod' simply means an assembly or meeting. Every diocese is divided into local administrative areas known as Deaneries, each usually consisting of several parishes. It is the task of the Rural or Area Dean to convene a meeting of elected lay people and clergy (ex officio) from the parishes; this is known as a Deanery Synod.

What does a Deanery Synod do?

Although it is has a general duty to consider matters locally put it to it by the Bishop or Diocesan Synod, it is much more than a talking shop. The Deanery Synod elects members of the Diocesan and national General Synod, and can raise matters of concern for consideration for those bodies. Because it also prepares a pastoral plan for the deanery affecting all the parishes, it is important that we are fully represented.

What is a Churchwarden?

Two churchwardens are elected by the Meeting of Parishioners each year and, once sworn in, they become officers of the Bishop. They work closely in cooperation with the Vicar, leading the parishioners by setting a good example and encouraging unity and peace. They have a particular duty to maintain order and peace in the church and churchyard at all times, and especially during services, and even have powers of arrest, though nowadays this is rarely used!

What do the Churchwardens do?

Their duties vary widely depending on local need, though all wardens are legally responsible for all the property and movable goods belonging to a parish church. They also have a pastoral responsibilty to care for their parish priest.

This said, there is no one way of being a churchwarden; every person brings their own skill and experience to the role and will do it in their own way. There is no expectation that a new warden will do everything his or her predecessor did.