David Marsland - Churchwarden
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCHWARDEN.
My name is David Marsland and I am one of the wardens along with Kath Moss and our Deputy Warden Rachel Holt. I have been elected on two occasions, the latter being in 2006.
The roles and responsibilities of a churchwarden are wide and varied, as befitting an office that dates back to the 13th century. Churchwardens are officers of the bishop and their loyalty is to him, whilst at the same time remembering that they are chosen by the people of the parish, so their responsibility is to the parish as a whole, not just to the church congregation. Some of these responsibilities are summarised here.
- A churchwarden offers lay leadership in the parish
- As Bishop’s Officer, by keeping the Bishop and Archdeacon informed about the life of the parish.
- By welcoming visiting clergy.
- Working collaboratively with clergy and laity.
- Exercising pastoral care of the clergy, especially the incumbent.
- Leading and enabling others and helping others develop their gifts and offer their ministries.
- Churchwardens are automatically members of the PCC and serve on the Standing Committee.
- As Bishop’s Officer, by keeping the Bishop and Archdeacon informed about the life of the parish.
- By welcoming visiting clergy. ( especially during Interregnums and illnesses ).
- Working collaboratively with clergy and laity.
- Exercising pastoral care of the clergy, especially the incumbent.
- Leading and enabling others and helping others develop their gifts and offer their ministries.
- Churchwardens are automatically members of the PCC and serve on the Standing Committee. Legal responsibilities:
- To maintain the fabric and content of the church.
- To keep the inventory and terrier up to date and in a safe place.
- To attend visitations.
- To keep up to date with relevant legislation and inform others as appropriate.
- To ensure the smooth running of services.
- To ensure that the PCC meets its financial obligations. Legal responsibilities with the PCC:
- To exercise leadership in relation to the mission of the church.
- To work together with all other members in leading the church forward in prayer, worship and pastoral care.
- To ensure buildings are taken care of and legalities are met (faculties, etc).
- To support the incumbent in the administration of the parish.
- To ensure expenses of ministry are adequately met.
I am also the Parish Rooms Manager responsible for taking bookings for the hiring the building.
I am also a licensed LEM. I organise the rotas for the Sides people, the Acolytes, and the Coffee team.