- Responsible for taking photographs of the Congregation and Church events and to produce book and/or wall display records for current and historical purposes.
Bereavement Support Group -
A weekly meeting open to anyone who has recently suffered the death of a loved one. To walk alongside and give support during the healing process. Open to people within the Parish Community as well as Congregation and Parishioners.
Chalice Administration –
- (For Sunday Services and other occasions of Worship were communion is given).
- Authority given by Licence of the Bishop to assist where necessary.
Choir Leader / Organist -
- Responsible for the liturgical music at Church services held at St Bart’s.
- Play for Sundays and special services. Also overseas and rehearses with the Choir.
- The Choir meet in the Church before Sunday services after 9.00 am services.
- Service Planning every fourth week.
Church Cleaning –
- To cleaning whole of the Church area on Saturday mornings.
Parish Wardens / District Church Wardens –
- Parish Wardens – Legally responsible, (under Canon Law), for order in the Church and to ensure that Church services are held at least once a week on Sundays.
- Legally responsible for the for the Church Terrier, (Inventory) official records, including property of the Church, moveable objects, silver and other available.
- Also legally responsible to ensure that all records are maintained, e.g. Baptism, Marriage, Service Register. Also assists with permissions to add, or change within the Church fabric, e.g. furnishings, which is done through first obtaining a DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee), Certificate, and then a Petition to the Diocesan Bishop to obtain a Faculty.
- All these records together with a summary log book are annually examined through a Visitation on behalf of the Archdeacon by the Area Dean or his/her representative.
- To welcome, work with, help, direct, support and advise, new and existing members of the Congregation.
- To work with direct and support the Incumbents, e.g. Team Rector, and/or Team Vicar, and any other members of the Clergy Team, including, when appointed Deacon(s), Curate(s) or Licensed Lay Readers’.
- Whilst Parish Wardens are elected annually by the Parish at its Parochial General Meeting, their appointment is ratified by the Diocesan Bishop who ratifies the appointment and to whom Parish Wardens must submit their resignation when they leave office. To this end all Wardens (Parish & District) are invitation by the Bishop through the Archdeacon to attend an Annual Service at which the Wardens are sworn-in.
Church Warden. Parishes normally have two Churchwardens and they are usually one chosen by the people of the 'Parish' - (the People's Warden) and one chosen by the 'Vicar' or 'Rector' - (the Vicar's or Rector's Warden). They are Lay - (not ordained) people elected every Easter at the same time as the Parochial Church Council (PCC). The two Church Wardens, with the PCC and the Incumbent (i.e. Vicar or Rector), are chiefly responsible for the life of the Church within the Parish.
The office of Church Warden is an ancient one and Wardens have special responsibility to the Bishop. At times when the Parish does not have an Incumbent - (during an interregnum) the Church Wardens have to make certain that Church services are held and that other aspects of the work of the parish continue.
Church Wardens often have Wands - (long sticks) as symbols of their office; it is said that years ago these were used to prod members of the congregation who dozed off in the long sermons preached then! Nowadays the Parish/Church Wardens make arrangements for people to be greeted on arrival our Churches, to give out hymn books and prayer books, and to take the collection; often they are assisted by a team of sidespeople.
- District Church Wardens: As a Team Ministry, Parish Wardens in this Parish have an overall overseeing role for all the Churches and other premises overall. District Wardens are also annually elected, (two for each Church) who are responsible for their specific Church, i.e. St Bart’s or St Mary’s.
- Their role is to ensure that a whole host of tasks undertaken at each Church are co-ordinated and covered and to support anyone involved, including youth workers, sides-people, and servers etc.
- District Church Wardens also support the Parish Wardens in their role, as outlined above.
For more comprehensive information visit the Chirch of England Church Care web page entitled New Church Wardens which provides helpful and comprehensive details, taken from the publication Practical Church Management:-
Christian Aid Week –
- Held annually and overseen by a member of our Congregation. [Please see also our web page on this site Christian Aid Week @ St Bart's ]
Coffee Bar • Sunday Volunteers –
- To see that water is boiled for tea, coffee to be ready after Church Services.
- Responsible for servicing refreshments and washing-up. Finish at about 12.00 noon.
Electoral Roll Officer(s) -
The Electoral Role Officer(s) are elected annual at the Parish Annual Meeting. As the Parish has to Churches, for practical reasons, one person is elected for each Church at St Bartholomew’s and St Mary Magdalene.
Their role is to welcome and to encourage people who come to our Churches ‘regularly’ to join the Electoral Roll Register and take a fuller and more active say in the life of the Parish and can vote an Parish meetings. Although anyone may attend a Parish meeting, e.g. AGM, those on the Electoral Roll may also vote on issues that are discussed for approval.
Anyone is eligible to join the Electoral Roll provided they meet certain criteria, one of which is that they are a ‘regular’ attendee at worship at one or both of our Churches, and has been doing so for at least a month, (normally about 3 months).
The Electoral Roll Officer(s) will provide a form for this which must be subsequently approved by the Parish Parochial Church Council (PCC), normally having first been presented to the District Church Council’s for each Church who will commend the person for approval.
At the Parish’s AGM each year, the Electoral Roll Officer(s) will present a summary of numbers on the Electoral Roll, broken down into those who live with the Parish boundary and those outside, and the collective accumulative total.
Weekday Volunteers –
To assist employed person who oversees the Coffee Bar where refreshments and light snacks are served to both all those who use and visit the Centre during the week (10.00 am – 4.00 pm), and to welcome and make people who visit the Centre comfortable.
- Always ready to advise members of the Congregation on matters relating to giving within the Church. Deals with completed forms and supplying weekly giving envelopes. To keep all records, as required by the Church Auditors. - On behalf of the ‘Parish’ – completing Inland Revenue form and makes periodic submissions to them to recover the tax paid on giving under the 'Gift-Aid' scheme. [Please see also our pages on this web site concerning ‘Donations’; ‘Gift-Aid’; and giving generally towards the work of the Church or pieces of work carried out through St Bart’s.
Fellowship House Children’s Centre • Church Representative –
- The Children’s Centre, (and previously the Play Group), were the responsibility of St Bart’s Church for some time. With their development and growth, both Groups obtained charitable status. To maintain relations and co-ordination there is a reciprocal arrangement whereby a Church Representative attends their Committee Members, and a Representative from their staff attend the Church & Centre’s Committee meetings.
- More details about Fellowship House, Children’s Centre, and Newham Pre-School Learning Alliance can be found on other pages on this web site directory.
Flower Arranging –
- Responsible for choosing flowers and preparing arrangements ready for Sunday Services. The Congregation contribute towards the ‘Flower Fund’.
Home Groups –
- Evening Group meetings for (Bible) study and discussion. Open to both Church and anyone else interests.
Weekly Readers of the Lessons from the Bible during Sunday Services –
- To weekly read the lesson (passages from the Bible) of which there are generally two at each Sunday Service, normally read by two different lay members of the Congregation. Training and support are given to people who would like to do this. A Rosta exists for people to prepare and say the Intercession prayers weekly.
This work is overseen by a senior member of the Congregation who works closely with the Incumbent and people who are on the Rosta.
Intercessions / Weekly Prayers –
- To prepare prayers for Eucharist and other services held on Sundays on behalf of the Congregation, or anyone who would like something special to be remembered during a given week. A Rosta exists for people to prepare and say the Intercession prayers weekly.
This work is overseen by a senior member of the Congregation who works closely with the Incumbent and people who are on the Rosta.
Lay Ministers • Licensed Lay Readers –
- We, at St Bart’s have two Licensed Lay Readers, (one semi-retired – emeritus).
- Lay Ministers are Licensed by the Diocesan Bishop to Preach and Teach; prepare Candidates for Confirmation and Baptism.
- To carry out Pastoral duties, administer the Chalice at Communion services; take Holy Community, (‘Reserved Sacrament’) to the sick and other extenuating circumstances; and to officiate at Funerals.
Laying in of Hands / Healing Prayer –
- To pray for the wholeness in body, mind and spirit whilst laying hands on individuals.
- This part of service(s) takes place bi-monthly - on the last Sunday of every other month.
Night Shelter –
- This operated at the Church & Centre for 10 years. Whilst this has now ceased [see other pages for current activities with homelessness, including ], there are other pieces of work, support and mission that the Church provides for those in need, or less fortunate in our community. Night Shelter serves as an illustration, using the Centre as an 'instrument of Christian Outreach'.
Offering / Collection –
- Gifts are collected and taken to the alter together with the ‘Elements’, (Bread/Wafer and Wine).
- Whilst nominated members of the Congregation generally undertake this task, all those who participate in the services are welcomed to do this and are encouraged to become involved.
Reading / Lessons –
- To read one of the two specific Bible Readings, Old Testament and Epistle, (according to Church Calendar), during the Sunday Eucharist or Said Services.
- Occasional practice sessions are held after Sunday morning services’.
Sacristan –
- Responsible for the upkeep an safety of the Church Vestments, Alter Linen, Hangings, Elements, (bread/wafer & wine), and preparation before services.
Every week, will wash and iron linen and iron, (where necessary), making running repairs as necessary. Albs for the Celebrant, albs for the Servers, Altar Cloths, Altar Linen. At each Service an amice, alb, cincture, stole and chasuble are laid out in the Vestry. Hosts and wine are made ready for the Eucharist (Communion). The readings for the day are opened on the lectern.
The most visible sign of a sacristan in the Church is immediately prior to the celebration of the Eucharist (Communion), when the chalice, water and wine, wafers and other essential items needed, are brought to the sanctuary and/or the offertory table. The candles are then lit, the lights and microphones are switched on, the minister celebranting appears and Eucharist Service begins. It sounds very straightforward, but there is a great deal of preparatory work and essential ongoing tasks which need to be performed, many of them unseen, to enable services in the Church to run smoothly.
The Sacristy (Vestry) is the area where Priests vest before the Service. Just prior to the start of Services, the vestments are always laid out in the sacristy in the appropriate liturgical colour of the day. The Sacristan is responsible for all preparations relating to vestments and for ensuring that they are laid out for each Service in the correct liturgical colour, or alternatively makes advance arrangements for soneone else to do this in preparation.
The sanctuary is dressed in the liturgical colour of the day. Generally this means green for ordinary time, white for the seasons of Easter and Christmas, and also for most feast days, purple for the seasons of Lent and Advent, and red for feasts of martyrs and for other special feast days such as Pentecost. The Sacristan is responsible for changing the altar frontals and the tabernacle drape, which are in the liturgical colour of the day. At the end of each Service, after Service, these items are changed, where necessary, in anticipation of the following services. The tabernacle (Alter Table) is always covered in the appropriate colour. Occasionally, these items are changed to accommodate additional services such as weddings, funerals or other special Eucharist services, e.g. Confirmation or Ordination services. In addition, all of the various altar linens are replenished on a regular basis.
Lighting of the candles on the Alter table, and the larger Pascal candle also needs to be done before each service. It is the Sacristan’s responsibility to remove and replace candles, as necessary.
In addition to the preparations for scheduled Services in the Church, the Sacristan, (in liaison with the Incumbant) needs to put in hand arrangements in preparation for weddings and funerals as arranged, and other special Eucharists or services, some of which occur only once a year, and many of which are unique with their own special requirements.
The Servers, (otherwise known as 'Acolytes'), may assist the Sacristan in the above roles.
St Bartholomew’s Centre Committee –
- Role and Duties: To discuss, and on and carry out Committee decisions relating to St Bartholomew’s Church.
- Significant items requires approval from the District Church Council before implementing.
- Membership of the Committee comprises of representatives from all the regular service users of the Centre, Centre staff, ad the Church.
St Bartholomew’s (DCC) District Church Council –
- Roles and Duties: To discuss, vote and carry our Committee Policy Decisions on Church matters relation to St Bart’s, St Alban’s Christian Centre and Fellowship House.
- Reports are submitted to the Parish PCC (Parochial Church Council) to note or ratify where there are ‘Parish’ or ‘Financial’ implications.
- To approve items from the St Bart’s Centre Committee, where necessary, (e.g. financial or building implications) and, (where appointed), any Sub-Commitee(s) or Working Party.
Servers –
- Responsible for heading the procession at the beginning and end of Church services; to carry a Cross (Crucifer), or Candles (Acolytes) reverently, as directed by the Celebrant for the service. Hand Collection and elements to the Celebrating performing the service.
During the preparation for the Eucharist (Communion) itself one of the Servers will administer what is known as the Lavabo - (the Priest washing their hands before the breaking of the bread/wafer and consecrating the wine) - [Please see about Lavabo below].
Lavabo: The first word of that portion of Psalm 25 said by the celebrant at the Eucharist (Communion) while s/he washes her/his hands after the Offertory, from which word the whole ceremony is named.
The principle of washing the hands before celebrating the holy Liturgy - at first an obvious practical precaution of cleanness, then interpreted also symbolically - occurs naturally in all rites. In the Eastern rites this is done at the beginning as part of the vesting; it is generally accompanied by the same fragment of Psalm 25 (v.6-12) said in the West after the Offertory. The hands of the celebrants are washed just before the dismissal of the catechumens, in the Syriac and Coptic rites after the creed. Cyril of Jerusalem also mentions a washing that takes place in sight of the people.
Side Person(s) –
- To welcome Congregation, newcomers, and visitors to the Church at Services; Usher Congregation to the Communion rail.
- To hand-out hymn books, service/hymn sheets/booklets and other relevant material to people who attend services.
Sunday Club –
- Teachers instruct children/young people in the scriptures, with read, art work, prayers, singing and drama. Some of their work is often displayed.
- The children/young people join the Congregation for Communion and Blessing and take part in monthly “All Age Worship” services held.
- Crèche Facilities: Including toys are available in the Side-Chapel for babies and small children under the supervision of their parent(s)/guardian(s).
- New volunteers to help are always welcomed. The Parish has adopted the Diocesan Policy/Guidelines on Child Protection, (albeit currently writing its own Parish Policy). To this end all volunteers required to complete a pro-forma form, and new volunteers are also required to complete a CRB check, (unless they already have a Certificate - not more than 3 years old, which they are required to produced (in the strictest confidence) to the Parish’s annually elected ‘Child Protection Officer’).
- During All activities with children/young people. At least two people, (one of each gender), are required to be in attendance to safeguard themselves and the children/young people in line with the above Policy/Guidelines.
- The Sunday Club also organises an annual Weekend Away at Stubbers [see page on this subject on this web site directory], amongst other activities during the year.
St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre + Fellowship House + St Alban’s Treasurers –
- Responsible for book-keeping, banking, payment of accounts, wages, and carryout out duties in accordance with the Church account/statutory procedures, (SOFA).
- To prepare Income and Expenditure accounts and Balance Sheet together with a Statement of Financial Activity at the year end – (31st December) for presentation to the Parish PCC Auditor ready for audit.
- All these accounts, together with Reports are presented to the Annual Parochial Meeting of ratification, submitted to the Diocesan, Deanery and Charity Commission, and made available generally for transparency of the work and fiancés of the Church & Centre; its associated work; plus Parish as a whole.
East Ham Parish Annual Autumn/Winter Fayre • (October) –
For opportunities to become involved in the work and roles @ St Bart's Church –
NOTE - DATA PROTECTION:
For your further assistance and FAQ's. If you are still unclear or wish to clarify something please e-Mail us.
We may also wish to use data you supply to us for the following purposes.
[ ] To send you further information about the St Bartholomew’s Church and its services/activities.
[ ] To pass to other organisations concerned with similar matters to yourselves, or third parties, e.g. other elected Officers of the Church responsible for such matters, or with agencies who require the same, albeit only when necessary and appropriate, e.g. where forms are completed for children’s/young people’s activities, the data will be provided to medical services/hospital where treatment is needed or accidents occur.
[Please tick the appropriate boxes if you do not wish us to do so]
Data Protection Act 1998
Please note that the information you provide on any form may be stored in a retrieval system. This information is treated as highly confidential and will be stored in a storage system. It will only be used for the communications with yourselves, (or in a way indicated above), and will not be made available to any other agency/organisation, unless the appropriate other boxes are ticked above.
® GPO • [St Bart’s - Parish of East Ham] - 5/4/2004
