Joining the PCC: three views from current members
The Annual Church Meeting on Sunday 11th October 2020 will elect Churchwardens, Deanery Synod Representatives and members of the Parochial Church Council. Here three members of the PCC give their thoughts about what it means to be part of the church’s administration.
Serving the church, making friends – and meeting bishops
What does a PCC do?
The church is there to serve and care for people within the parish and allow people to attend services for worship as well as events such as baptisms, weddings, funerals and so on. In simple terms, the PCC works as a group and co-operates with the minister to ensure these things take place in an organized manner throughout the year.
As a PCC member you are involved in discussing many things including the running of the church, its finances, maintenance of its buildings and the churchyard, and its responsibilities to the diocese and the Church of England.
Another key factor is planning for mission and how the church can help others beyond the parish.
Who will I meet?
Vicars, archdeacons, bishops, and lots of people within the parish from all different walks of life. In many instances you find you have mutual friends so that makes it even better.
Everyone on the PCC is there for God, the Church and the parish and you will always get a friendly welcome and plenty of assistance in whatever you undertake.
What benefits do I get personally?
The joy of knowing that you are helping to care for people’s wellbeing, sharing the good news of Jesus with them, and reaching out to other Christians.
Lots of new acquaintances and a regular supply of tea and cake if you want it (circumstances and diet permitting).
Clive Pendrell
Nudge, nudge: take the plunge and enjoy being part of the church team
there are so many things we are encouraged not to do during these Covid-19 times, but one of the things we have been doing is the new “elbow nudge” instead of greeting by shaking hands. I am writing today to give you all a very gentle “elbow nudge” and greetings from the PCC. We currently have a number of vacancies and this is a time of opportunity for you to consider joining our PCC, so I am sharing with you part of my personal journey.
I know I am not the best worker and certainly not the best Christian; I am not the first (second or third) person you would ask to join a quiz team and I considered I would have little to offer the PCC. I was also of the view that there were dozens of people with better skills than myself all wanting to join.
After talking with Vicar Maureen, however, I took the plunge, a very hesitant joiner. I have found I am not the oldest on the PCC and neither am I the youngest; I am not the person overflowing with ideas but I do have a few; I thoroughly enjoy being part of the team and feel my experience of being on the PCC is part of my growth.
My understanding of how our Church works has developed and I have found that my own ideas grow as I have heard others share their thoughts. We are here to listen, learn, pray and do whatever is needed on our Christian journey to support the work of St Chad’s, so take a moment and consider joining us. Please take the plunge and contact Maureen or any PCC member and maybe I shall meet you soon at a PCC meeting.
God bless and stay safe,
Dorothy Steel
Giving something back after an enthusiastic welcome to the village
I seem to have been on and off the PCC for as long as I have lived in Pattingham – 43 years. When we came to the village, Chrissie and I went to church as a first stop to meet people. We were welcomed enthusiastically, we soon became involved in church and village life despite living on the outskirts.
We have both served as church wardens and been actively involved in activities such as the church fete, scarecrow festivals and the Bells run.
We are all so lucky to live in this glorious part of the country on the Staffordshire / Shropshire border and it is very satisfying to serve on the PCC and be able to give something worthwhile back to the church and the village.
God bless and stay safe,
Colin Ringrose
(taken from the article which appeared in the October 2020 Parish News magazine.)