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.

The PCC realised we had two options: to take a conservative stance and keep things ‘ticking over’ until a new Rector is appointed, or to take a more reflective approach and use this time as an opportunity to stand back, look critically at everything the Church has been doing, and consider where God is guiding us for the future.
The PCC has created a new vision statement. We have realised that (i) we have to prioritise the growth of the church through evangelism, and that (ii) we need to bring people into our Church by opening our historic building to wider community use.
Whilst drawing people in is essential for the Church’s mission, that cannot be achieved, however, without the resources needed. We knew that we were not going to get a replacement full-time Rector, and that this loss was a direct result of underpayment of our Parish share. If the Parish’s financial standing is not improved urgently, then the whole of our mission is in jeopardy. Therefore, securing the Parish’s financial future is our third priority.
We started by looking at changes to giving patterns during Covid and realised that the reduction in cash donations was mirroring a reduction in cash usage throughout society. We therefore installed a CollecTin card reader (www.collectin.org) via Parish Buying which has already paid for itself five times over. This service also allows online donations via our newly relaunched website.
Reforming regular giving however was more difficult. No-one really likes to talk about money, so we sought external help. We were pointed in the direction of the Generous Giving advisor by the Archdeacon’s team and they gave a presentation on the Parish Giving Scheme to the PCC and explained how it handles direct debits and gift aid, removing a major headache for our treasurer.
We are at the start of our journey with the Parish Giving Scheme and having signed up we are about to launch this with the congregation. Beyond money, we are working in lots of new ways to bring people into our Church too: a dog-friendly Paws for Coffee café; material support to the community through the Wall of Kindness leave-a-coat project; a new Community Pantry to provide basic food and other essentials to families hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis; and an SOS email service for requests for prayer, visits and pastoral care.
An Interregnum is proving to be a God-given opportunity for us to reassess our mission in a period of uncertainty and change. We look forward to a new Rector joining us to take God’s work forward!
This article is from...
Articles in this issue...

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
More
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
More
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.
More
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.
More
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.”
More
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.
More
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.
More
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.
More
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.
More
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.
More