A Safer Church

Revd Howard Moston - Assistant Curate

My name is Howard Moston and I am licensed by the Diocese of Manchester as an Ordained Local Minister.

I began my training in 2007 after I retired from teaching and was ordained in 2010.

I share leadership of Sunday Worship with our Vicar David, at both St James and St Saviours. I take baptisms, funerals and weddings in the parish. I am involved in preparing candidates for Confirmation, preparing young children to receive Communion. I support our Junior Churches in the preparation of All-Age Worship. I lead worship and support RE lessons in both our St Georges and our St James School.

I train our choir at St James and have responsibility for music at both St James and St Saviours. The choir is very competent and sing challenging music. We sing at all the major festivals of the year and also on special occasions. We are currently preparing to sing “The Armed Man” by Karl Jenkins on Remembrance Sunday evening as part of the 100^th Anniversary of the end of WWI.

We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm until 8.00pm and we are always ready to welcome new members.

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.

Kath Moss - Churchwarden

I have been Churchwarden (People's) for the last 10 years, before this I was a Welcomer in the Church, which I have attended over 25 years.

Together with the Vicar's Warden, we look after the fabric of the Church and day-to-day running. We hold the keys to the Church and have access at any time.

Other responsibilities are our connection with Sunday services – keeping details records for reports and inspections.

I am a trustee of the Child Care Village which is based in our Parish Rooms during the week. This is an interesting voluntary position working closely with the Manager and other Trustees.

My other voluntary work is as a receptionist at our local hospice, which I find interesting and challenging.