BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
Isaiah 58:10
There are many tasks that need doing to keep our churches clean, tidy, safe and welcoming, not to mention all the planning, organisation and administration that goes on week in week out. We rely on volunteers, people who give their time, energy, gifts and commitment to ensure that we maintain our churches at the centre of village life.
Make a Difference
Are you fit and strong, good with your hands, mentally adept, an expert in IT, skilled flower arranger and a fantastic cook? If you are congratulations and we would love to hear from you, but don't worry if you don't fit any of these categories, not many of us do. The thing is we all have gifts, for one thing or another, and if you would like to use yours to help the work of our churches, then please let us know, so that you can help us to make a difference.
Some of the tasks in the church are undertaken by individuals in more formal roles, that require a process of nomination and election but many of the day-to-day or Sunday-to-Sunday jobs that need doing are shared by teams of volunteers from our congregations and the broader village communities.
We are also looking for people who can take on pastoral roles within our communities, visiting people in their own homes and providing care, assistance and support with a spiritual perspective.
Formal Roles
These include churchwardens, members of the Parochial Church Council (who are also trustees of the registered charity), Treasurer, Safeguarding Officer and others. These roles are renewed after specified periods in office, at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, which is held at the end of April, each year.
Help With Services
Within our services members of the congregation take on a variety of tasks, which include welcoming visitors, reading bible passages, leading prayers of intercession, bell ringing and administering the chalice during holy communion. Whilst these are not formal roles they require some training and need to be undertaken in an agreed manner. Chalice Administrators for example need the approval of the Bishop before they can take on the role.
Then of course those with a voice for singing, would be very welcome additions to our choir, who are involved in many of our services
The Other Jobs
Whilst not quite 'Jacks of all Trades' we need volunteers who can take on a host of other tasks, from arranging flowers and preparing after service refreshments, to cleaning the church and winding the clock - not quite as easy as it might sound!
These tasks are undertaken by teams on a rota basis, in order to spread the load and as the saying goes 'many hands make light work'. That has never been truer than when looking after a church and its congregation.
Special Occasions
We have a number of events throughout the year, when we need to call on the special skills of our helpers. Not least our cooks and bakers. Our churches are well known for feeding people, from apple pie and custard at Harvest, to hotpots and hotdogs at our Patronal Festivals.
So, if you would like to get involved, take on a role or task and make the most of your gifts, please speak to Jacquie or Fiona the Churchwardens, Revd Angela or Catriona in the Parish Office and you will be welcomed with open arms!