Serving Elders
Serving Elders are appointed to serve on the Eldership for a period of 5 years although this can be for a shorter or longer period if necessary to ensure the group can function.
At the Church’s Annual General Meeting a ballot is held and Church Members elect others from the membership to fill any vacancies. The normal practice is that 2 Serving Elders complete their 5 years service and 2 Church Members are appointed to replace them although the number of appointments will depend on vacancies and the availabilty of people from the church membership to stand for election.
Church Trustees
Serving Elders are also appointed as Church Trustees for the duration of their service. Trustees have responsibility for overseeing both the spiritual and practical aspects of church life. Their involvement in governance ensures that decisions regarding finances, resources, and the general welfare of the church are made in the best interests of the church and community.
Other Members
The Elders Meetings are normally held on every second Thursday of the month apart from August (to take into account the holiday season). The meeting is normally facilitated by Revd. Russell Furley-Smith and the Church Secretary. Minutes are taken and follow up actions recorded for review at the next meeting.
Although the meeting covers the practical aspects of chruch life there is time allocated at the beginning of each meeting for pastoral metters, prayer and a reflection which is given by a different member of the eldership each month.
Current Serving Elders are:
- Alison Whittingham
- Andrew Mander – Church Secretary
- Chris George
- David Wiggs
- Irmina Hughes
- Janny Kay-Janssen
- Jill Berry
- John Denison
- Martin Day – Church Treasurer
- Nicola Mearkle
Other Meeting Members:
- Revd. Maurice Omorojie – Minister
- Revd. Russell Furley-Smith – Chair and Minister
New Serving Elders are appointed at the Church’s AGM which is normally held in June. The nomination process starts in February to allow throughtful consideration of the selection of nominations and church members can select 2 people which need a further nomination each to go forward to the election stage.
