archdeacons’ visitation news Spring 2020 - issue 15
Dear Churchwardens One of the privileges of archidiaconal ministry is when conducting a parish visitation to see the look of nervousness on the part of some churchwardens turn to relief and then joy when we are able to say what a splendid job they are doing. Not for a moment do your bishops and archdeacons doubt the immensity of the responsibilities you shoulder or the everincreasing demands on your time and energy. The office of churchwarden is one of the most ancient in the land and it has survived, I suspect, principally because faithful Christians in the parishes have recognised the importance of the role and made it a key way of exercising their discipleship. Thank you, one and all. Since last year, legislation has come in to enable parishes under the same incumbent to form ‘joint councils’. These are quite easy to form, and participating parochial church councils (PCCs) ‘up-load’ to them such powers and responsibilities as they choose. This enables expertise and resources to be shared across the group of churches involved, so that not every church has to
fill all the roles and workstreams of parish life from its own numbers. This approach can help us to live out the reality that we are all one body in Christ, and that we are called to bear one another’s burdens and support and serve our neighbours as ourselves, as the New Testament teaches. If you would like to explore this new possibility further, please be in touch with the archdeacon’s office. One of the things we try to offer new churchwardens is a visit to Edward King House in Lincoln in order to meet the key staff who can help support them and answer their questions. Most people prefer to put a face to a name and the staff here are always happy to explain what they do and how they can help colleagues in the parishes. That offer is also open to churchwardens of longer standing: no question is too small, so feel welcome and encouraged to make an appointment with Tom Wilson or Sue Wilson (our PAs) to come and ‘meet the team’ who are here to support you. Please accept our thanks and appreciation for all you do in the service of Christ and his people.
The Venerable Dr Justine Allain Chapman Archdeacon of Boston
The Venerable Mark Steadman Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey
T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.boston @lincoln.anglican.org
T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.stow @lincoln.anglican.org
The Venerable Gavin Kirk Archdeacon of Lincoln T: 01522 50 40 39 E: archdeacon.lincoln @lincoln.anglican.org
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