PCC News

Reluctantly took on the role

I reluctantly took on the role of Church Treasurer, for one year, when the then treasurer was extremely ill in hospital and, now almost nine years later, I am still in post!

Safeguarding Training Update – Winter 2022

As 2022 draws to a close, I would like to sincerely thank not only all those who have actively engaged in our Safeguarding Pathways, but also the huge numbers who took the new Safeguarding Basic Awareness and Safeguarding Foundations online modules

Lent Appeal 2023

The Diocese of Norwich is delighted to announce that the 2023 Bishop’s Lent Appeal will help to raise money for the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge building in memory of the Venerable Ian Bentley

Safety first

As PCC members and therefore trustees we have a responsibility for everyone’s safety. On the Ecclesiastical website there is lots of guidance including guidance on working safely.

A valuable insight to our Pastoral Hymn

On Advent Sunday 2022, we enter the second year of our Diocesan Vision and so begin a new focus on being ‘Transformed by Christ: Pastoral’. This hymn has been written for the use of churches across our diocese as they explore what it means to be transformed by Christ in the ways we reach out and care for each other, near and far.

Academically rigorous and engaging

One project being developed as part of the outworking of our Diocesan Vision is: “to strengthen our work with children, youth and families, we will develop more fruitful connections between school and church.”

Learn something new everyday

Since becoming a governor over 12 years ago I continue to learn something new every day and that is what I most enjoy about being a governor.

Education and schools work – Trustees required

Governance across the Diocese of Norwich’s work with its schools and academy trusts is strong. However, we are never complacent and are always seeking to encourage new talent to join us in these non-executive voluntary roles. The Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) expects and ensures that all involved promote and help develop the Christian ethos and culture of our schools and academy trusts.

Church volunteers see rise in emergency support for families

Volunteers at a Christian based charity in Dersingham say they are putting together more emergency moses baskets for new parents due to the cost of living crisis.

Can your church or hall offer a warm space?

You may be thinking about providing a ‘warm space’ for people in your community this winter and many churches already do this. It’s a practical response to the cost of living crisis and there is funding available if you are considering this option.

Cost of Living Support

The cost of living crisis in the UK is affecting everyone. Food, fuel, energy bills, council tax and water bills are all increasing.

Cracks throughout the tower

St Mary’s Church, North Tuddenham, is a hidden treasure. This Grade I listed building, lying isolated among fields just off the A47 near Dereham, is treasured for its stained-glass windows, some with medieval glass, and its rood screens.

An excellent guide

I became Treasurer at Erpingham in 2012. As I have no accountancy training I was relieved to find the Parish Accounts Template, now the Parish Accounts Workbook. I have used it ever since and could not function without it.

All the help you could need

When I joined the Parish Support Team in 2010, one of my earliest tasks was to create a simple Excel spreadsheet to help our treasurers to complete the Return of Parish Finance (ROPF) form, which each parish in the Church of England is asked to complete.

A brief introduction to the faculty system

The faculty system is in effect a parallel planning permission system covering church buildings and churchyards. There are three main reasons why such a system exists:

The experience of introducing the Parish Giving Scheme

When I was an incumbent in Derby Diocese in 2017, the Diocesan Synod agreed to introduce the Parish Giving Scheme and parishes were invited to be involved in a pilot study.

Heartsease Community Money Advice Centre

The article in the Autumn PCC News implied that the work being done in the Heartsease Benefice was connected to CAP (Christians Against Poverty). This was incorrect. The Heartsease Community Money Advice Centre is affiliated to Community Money Advice (CMA).

Minding the shop

Our Rector retired in Summer 2021. We knew it was unlikely the Rector would be replaced quickly, and in fact we were told that our Benefice was to merge with a neighbouring team on the appointment of a new incumbent. Change was coming and we had to consider what our future was going to look like.

Introducing Frances Jackson

Hello, my name is Frances and I started working as the Historic Church Buildings Support Officer for the Parish Support Team at the beginning of September.

Introducing Naomi Rizk

My name is Naomi Rizk, I have recently joined the Parish Support Team as the new Generous Giving Administrator.

Over 50 families helped

Given the current economic climate, it is likely that many families, if not most families, are struggling to make ends meet, and to meet the needs of their children.