The parish church electoral roll is the first building block of the church’s governance structure. It is a register of the lay members of the church who are entitled to vote at the APCM.Every 6th year starting from 2025, a new Electoral Roll must be made.Those on the roll are eligible to be elected to lay representative positions on their PCC and deanery synod. Deanery synod representatives may then be elected to diocesan synod and general synod.The total number on the parish church electoral roll, as presented at the APCM, is an important factor in determining the number of lay representatives (parochial and deanery synod) that a parish may have. Given this, each year a formal process is undertaken by the PCC, as preparation for the APCM, to review and ensure the roll's accuracy.Under the Church Representation Rules, a lay person is entitled to have his or her name entered on the roll, if the person – a. is baptised, b. is aged 16 or over, and c. has made one of the following three declarations and duly applied for enrolment. 1. The first declaration is that the person is a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it and is resident in the parish. 2. The second declaration is that the person is a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it, is not resident in the parish, but has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months. 3. The third declaration is that the person is a member in good standing of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and is also a member of the Church of England and has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months. Application Forms for enrolment can be obtained from the Church Electoral Roll Officer. In order to be entitled to attend the annual parochial church meeting and to take part in its proceedings, you must return the Application Form for enrolment as soon as possible.
The interviews are planned for the 4th / 5th June, with a closing date for the applications on the 14th May, we are advertising initially on the Diocesan website.The advert for the new Rector is now on the Diocesan Website at https://www.cofesuffolk.org/about-us/vacancies/rector-haughley-with-wetherden-and-stowupland.phpIt is also in the Diocesan e-news, and by clicking on the link everyone can see what we have put into the Parish Profile and what we are looking for in our new rector.Further updates will follow, please pray for a successful advertisement.The role has now been advertised on the St. Edmunsdbury and Ipswich website - please click below for linkRector: Haughley with Wetherden and Stowupland - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and IpswichVacancy PrayerLoving God, as we journey together through this period of vacancy, we thank you for your everlasting faithfulness to us.At this time of uncertainty and change we ask that you send us your Holy Spirit,to fill us with your vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer.We ask that you will help us to share responsibility, grow in faith, love one another, care for those in need and have courage to face our future and embrace the unknown, with praise in our hearts, in loving obedience to you.Amen.
It is with deep sadness that we have had to say goodbye to Revd Paul as Rector after such a short time.Here is his last statement – ‘I want to thank you all for the help and support you have given me since I arrived back in Haughley, Wetherden & Stowupland. People have been very kind and graciously afforded me the space that has been needed, particularly over the past six months. I also want to thank the ministry team and wardens who have ensured that the regular service pattern has continued in my absence.When I arrived in the benefice last year, I had every hope and confidence that being back in village ministry and in a place I knew and loved would allow me to continue my recovery from Long Covid. This has not been the case. My symptoms have continued to decline, and it is with much sadness that I have to inform you that I have made the difficult decision to retire on the grounds of ill health and therefore, have submitted my intention to leave my position on 2nd October 2024.Could I please ask for your prayers for Rachel, me, and the family? It has been exciting to see what God has been doing in the parishes, and although I am sad not to walk this journey with you, I will be praying for you all’.Revd Paul ClarkeAs we now enter another period of vacancy, the Wardens and Ministry team wish to assure you all that they will do everything they can to continue bringing regular worship to the Benefice. If you have any worries, please speak to a Church Warden or member of the Ministry Team/PCC’s.For weddings, baptisms and funerals please contact our Curate Revd. Alison Roberts.
Phone selections includes Christmas at Home on the Phone which you can sample online using the link underlined.Other online services includePrayer During the Day and Night Prayerweekly national online serviceFull details online athttps://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches/dailyhope-phone-line#na
