|
Anglican Parish of Kingston |
|
Parish life (3)Stewardship of finances, time and talentThere are many opportunities in the Parish for voluntary offering of personal resources in the service of God. The Parish actively encourages tithing, however it also recognises that financial giving is a private matter between God and the individual, therefore total anonymity is observed. Debt-free buildings bear testament to the Grace of God and the willingness in the hearts of the people in giving of their time, talents and money. Other ministries essential to the smooth running of a large Parish are as follows: Infrastructure maintenanceOffice volunteers: a number of volunteers provide regular ministry Monday to Friday in the parish office assisting the full-time Manager in a variety of tasks, for example 'licking stamps,' collecting mail, answering phones and receiving visitors, answering enquiries, banking, book-keeping, word processing, desktop publishing, maintaining computerised databases and formal registers, production of and folding and collation of weekly pewsheets, inserts, and 'special occasion' booklets. 'Housekeeping' and related ministry areas: A dedicated parishioner has oversight and coordinates 'Housekeeping' functions for both St Clement's Church and Chapel. Other ministries include brass polishing, flower arrangement, and after-service refreshments. Preparation for Sunday worship: A small team of regular volunteers prepare the Sanctuary for Communion weekly, place prayer and songbooks in readiness for services and launder the altar linen. Communion offertory: Rosters operate at both morning services at St Clement's, for parishioners to bring forward the elements for the Communion, symbolising the offering of ourselves to the Lord in His service. Readers: The Parish encourages all those who are willing and able to read the Holy Scriptures publicly in the services. Rosters exist in all centres to facilitate this. Sidepersons: Rosters exist for people to distribute books as parishioners arrive for worship, to guide communicants to the altar step and to tidy up after the services. Many families find this an inclusive ministry for the young. Welcomers: St Clement's has a roster of people specifically aimed at identifying newcomers at services. As new people are asked to stand in the service, welcomers distribute information leaflets and pots of home-made jam and relish donated by parishioners. Counters: There are rosters in place for counting of offertories and same-day banking. Ecclesiastical ministriesThe Parish offers all regular Priestly ministries including weddings, funerals, baptisms, services of Holy Communion, preaching of the Gospel and provision of Godly counsel. Leadership in the parishThose called to lead exercise and demonstrate a wide variety of giftings: StaffThe Rector is the appointed incumbent, holding the Bishop's licence in accordance with Canon Law and relevant Diocesan Ordinances. Senior Assistant and/or Assistant Curate: Support and/or trainee role, supporting the Rector in the provision of ordained ministry. Youth Pastor: The Parish employs a full-time Youth Pastor. Major responsibilities include planning and coordinating Crossroads youth groups, building up youth leadership, pastoring Parish youth, chaplaincy to the local State secondary school and coordination of youth services. Assistant Priests and Deacons: Six retired and/or non-stipendiary priests and a deacon (5 men and 1 woman) regularly assist with provision of priestly ministry, the conduct of services and provision of leadership support, counsel and advice. Manager: The Parish employs a full-time manager responsible to the Rector. The role includes provision of support and assistance to clergy whilst liaising with the Churchwardens. Responsibilities include daily financial and business management, administration of computer network and preparation of parish publications, and oversight of volunteer assistants. Elected and appointed lay leadershipChurchwardens: The three churchwardens fulfil the roles as detailed in the Parish Administration Ordinance, working with the Incumbent to ensure that the Mission of the Church is advanced and the obligations of the Parish are met. Their responsibilities include the care of church property and the fittings in buildings. Parish Council currently consists of 4 appointed and 8 elected members plus the 3 Churchwardens. Two assistant Priests and the Youth Pastor attend by invitation. Council meets monthly and all meetings commence with Bible study and a time of prayer. Special Lay Ministry coordinatorsDirector of Music: The Director of Music has oversight of the music ministry of St Clement's providing keyboard, vocals, choir and instrumentalists for regular worship and occasional services (weddings and funerals). The Deputy Director is responsible for the training of choir members. Children and Families: A committee was formed to provide leadership and oversee all aspects of the Children's and Families ministries. These ministries included Greenhouse, preparation for communion, young families bible study and various parish-wide events. Safe Ministry: A coordinator actively arranges training furthering the Parish policy of Safe Ministry accreditation for all in leadership positions. Church properties
|
|
|
