Screening in Faith

Sample Ministry Descriptions

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Ministry Description: Churchwarden

An abstract supplement to Canons & Constitution

November 2001

The following is a narrative of some of the activities, which have in my experience been part of the job. My first foray into the realm of wardens was in 1975 in the Diocese of Quebec. Except for a brief period in the early 1990s, I have held continuously the posts of either people’s or rector’s warden, amid much tribulation and joy.

* attend Sunday service faithfully

* keep in touch with the rector during the week

* get to know as many of the congregation as possible

* arrive at church early in order to ensure that all appropriate lights, heat, fans, etc. are on,

* and that ice and snow is cleared from the doorways. There may not always be other volunteers to do this

* help hand out books and leaflets if no sidesperson is present

* prepare the parish service register

* during service, find an aisle seat in order that latecomers or newcomers can be welcomed and seated

* be available to assist the incumbent at communion as required

* ensure that the offering is taken up personally or with sidespersons

* following the service, ensure that the offering is handled immediately and recorded

* be available to call, chair or attend all regular meetings

* following services, ensure the security of the church properties and set the lights and heat accordingly

* people’s warden has responsibility and authority for the church (property) on behalf of the Diocese, in conjunction with the incumbent

* rector’s warden shares the fiduciary duties with people’s warden and is liaison to the incumbent

* ask for help; there are many willing hands available

* do not let the task as warden daunt you — it is just like looking after your own house, but with joint tenancy with our Lord.

(For definitions and further detail, see Constitution Sect. 3, and Canons D-4, G-1, H-1, H-3, I-3, J-1 and J2).

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat McNally

Rector’s Warden — St. James, Sudbury

Š2001 Diocese of Algoma