Interregnum

We said farewell to our vicar Rachma Abbott in February and are now in a period that is referred to as an ‘interregnum’. This means that there is a gap between the ministry of the previous vicar and the start of a new ministry. It is a period of time when the church community thinks carefully about the ways in which God might be calling the Benefice. What are the most important areas to focus on and how we would like to maintain and develop our Christian community, support and outreach in the future.

This period will last at least for a year and perhaps longer. Meanwhile the services, pastoral care and missional outreach will be maintained by the Parochial Church Councils, the lay (not ordained) members of the church trained to lead worship and work pastorally, retired or voluntary ordained clergy as well as the Benefice curate who will continue training and serving with us. Overseeing and advising will be the Rural Dean, Jane Curtis, who is also the vicar of Royal Wootton Bassett.

Several meetings have already been set up by Jane for us to understand the next stage of the process and settle initial organisational issues. In future months next steps and progress will continue to be reported in this magazine.

Church Electoral Roll

Change is a central part of an interregnum. Decision making is shaped by the Diocese, the Parochial Church Councils and the communities of the Benefice. Every six years the Church Electoral Roll is formally updated and this falls in 2025.

The Church Electoral Roll is the parish church’s register of electors. In the same way that being on the civic Electoral Roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining the Church Electoral Roll means that you can vote on church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the PCC. Being on the roll allows you to shape decisions and have a voice about the church.

It is, however, not required for ‘membership’ of the church. The church welcomes everyone who would like to worship, visit or support the church in any way.

If you are already on the Electoral Roll you will be contacted to see if you would like to continue being on it. If you are new to the village or have just not thought about it before please contact Ruth Phillips or Mandy Cook.

Church contact: Mandy Cook 01793 853504