PCC's in the Upper Wylye Valley Team

Within the UWVT we have 8 Parishes that are each governed by a PCC. Our PCC members are volunteers who generously give of their time and effort to ensure that the church in their village remains a spiritual focal point that it has been for generations.

Who serve’s on our PCC’s? Anyone who is passionate about the overall wellbeing, practical as well as spiritual, of their church, the church members, and the church buildings.

Each of our PCC’s currently has various vacancies and would love to welcome new members.

Being a member of the PCC is a wonderful and fulfilling way to volunteer, to give a little back to our communities, to help the mission and ministry of the Church. It is a wonderful way to meet new people and make new friends, we work together, we share our troubles and our joys, we laugh together and we have fun.

Take a look below for more information about what a PCC is, or have a chat with Rev Trudy (840081), or any member of our PCC’s, and we will gladly tell about and show you our wonderful PCC’s.

What is the PCC?

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Are you a newly appointed member of a PCC, or someone who is considering standing for election but would like to know more about the roles and responsibilities of membership?

If the answer to either question is yes, then we hope that this guide will answer any questions or concerns you might have, and help you to enjoy your time as a member.

This guide is intended to be an introduction to membership and a source of guidance.  Your clergy will be able to provide further guidance or, if you are looking for more detail on the workings of the PCC, you will find some suggestions for further reading at the end of the guide.

WHAT IS THE PCC?

The Parochial Church Council is the governing body of a parish church. It is also a charity.  A PCC with an annual income of more than £100,000 must be registered with the Charity Commissioners; those with an income below this threshold, whilst not currently required to register, must comply with all other charity laws.

The PCC has legal status and the Church Representation Rules apply.

WHAT DOES THE PCC DO?

The PCC is a team made up of members of the clergy and lay members of the church. Together they are responsible for the overall wellbeing, practical as well as spiritual, of their church, the church members, and the church buildings. The PCC also has a duty to promote the mission of the church within the wider community. Some of the responsibilities are devolved to the Vicar and Churchwardens but to quote from the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 section 2 ‘It shall be the duty of the Vicar and the PCC to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish’. Members of the PCC have the right to be consulted, to know what is proposed, and to have the opportunity to express an opinion on it.

The Vicar is Chairman of the PCC.  A Lay Chair (or vice-chair), a treasurer, and secretary will usually be elected to office at its first meeting after the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

PRAYER AND WORSHIP

Prayer and Worship are at the heart of the work of the PCC. The PCC should ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for public worship and provide an opportunity for people of all ages to meet for prayer and worship.

In practice this might mean agreeing on the format and timings of services that will meet the needs of the church members, providing facilities for younger members and families, setting up Bible study or Prayer groups.

MISSION AND OUTREACH

The PCC has an important part to play in promoting the mission of the church, amongst the congregation and in the wider community, and members of the PCC should demonstrate their commitment to the Christian ethos, through leadership, by example and by witness, in the parish.  The PCC is encouraged to develop, and maintain, a Growth Action Plan (GAP), to review the life of the church and identify mission opportunities.

Every member should be involved at each stage of the GAP process – the development of the plan, its implementation, and a regular review process.

PASTORAL CARE

The PCC and its members have a duty to support their clergy, prayerfully and personally. They have a duty to support the members of the congregation and to extend a welcome to all who visit the church, to members of the church community and to those visiting the church at other times.  The church has a duty of pastoral care to all who live in our communities, whether members of the church or not, and PCC members are expected to take the lead in demonstrating that care.

FINANCE

The PCC will appoint a treasurer, and sometimes an assistant treasurer, to manage the day to day finances of the parish. The treasurer does not need to be a qualified accountant (though a very large parish might consider it appropriate to appoint a qualified accountant).   He/She must understand how to maintain books, must have a good knowledge of the parish and the work of the church, and importantly must have the full confidence of the PCC membership. The treasurer will keep members informed on the financial situation and present a full report to each PCC meeting.  PCC members are Trustees of a charity and are responsible for managing the Church’s finances. They must ensure that all funds are properly accounted for, the books properly maintained, and the PCC annual accounts inspected or audited, and formally approved by the PCC, prior to the APCM.

In law, the PCC is a body corporate. This means that it is a separate body from the people who serve on it so PCC members are not liable for any debts incurred by the PCC. However, the trustees do have certain responsibilities under the Charities Act and members should acquaint themselves with Trusteeship, an introduction for PCC members which provides more detailed guidance.