The electoral roll: what is this about and why should I join in? Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread (1 Corinthians 10:17 expressed in Holy Communion, Common Worship) What is the electoral roll? Every parish church in the Church of England has an electoral roll. Simply put, it is a list of people who are connected with or a part of St. Michael and All Angels Marden, perhaps by attending worship or living nearby. It is a helpful record of who and how many people are connected with each parish church. The roll size contributes to decisions about the collection and distribution of resources and the number of people elected to the PCC and Deanery Synod. Why should I join the electoral roll? Join because it’s an official recognition that you are connected with, and a part of St. Michael and All Angels, and playing your part in following Jesus here, to God’s glory. That’s whether you come to any of our Sunday or midweek services and Messy Church. It also gives you rights to stand for election, nominate and vote for members of our Parochial Church Council (PCC). They are the Trustees of St. Michael and All Angels, and responsible for the finances and buildings of the church, working with the Vicar in Christ’s mission here in this parish. There are other rights too, such as, permitting you and those related to you getting married here, or having your cremated remains buried here. These rights aren’t exclusive to electoral roll members, but if you or your family live elsewhere, then it can be a supporting factor. Who can be on the electoral roll? To join the electoral roll, you must be: 16 years or over. (If you are 15, you can complete a form and we will add you when you turn 16.) Baptised into the Christian faith A lay person (not an ordained person) You should also consider yourself to be a part of the Church of England and either live within the parish boundary or regularly attend worship here at St. Michael and All Angels. What is expected of me if I am on the electoral roll? There are no specific expectations. We invite everyone to take an active part in our life together in God’s Growing Kingdom through prayer, worship, events, fundraising and volunteering. As Christians we should be generous with what God has given us so you might also like to consider any contribution you can make, including financial donations or offerings of time and skills. Financial donations can be made through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), standing order or via card and cash donations on a Sunday. You might also like to think about leaving a legacy to the church in your will. Information about giving or leaving a legacy, can be found on the table by the church door. We also encourage electoral roll members to attend and engage with our annual meeting where our Trustees are elected to the PCC and the previous year is reviewed. What happens to my information? We are committed to keeping your information safe, and information is collected and processed in line with our GDPR policy. All the information requested is needed to confirm you are eligible for the electoral roll and to communicate with you about this. We will publish only your name in church and online. We will not publish your address, email address or any other information you provide. We will only use this information for electoral roll purposes and for sending you our weekly pew sheet to keep you informed of services, news and events. If you would like to include your phone number, please add it to the form. This will only be used by the Vicar for pastoral reasons. What if I also attend another church? If you attend another Anglican church, you can be on more than one electoral roll, as long as you meet the criteria above. If you attend churches of different denominations, you’re welcome to be on our electoral roll if you consider yourself part of the Church of England. How do I join the electoral roll? You can apply by contacting the Electoral Roll Officer in person or via email, or speaking to the Vicar, Curate, Churchwardens, Parish Administrator or any member of the PCC to obtain a form. Return the form to Stephen Newell our Electoral Roll Officer, Kathy in the office, or put through the Vicarage door. Alternatively, you can email it to the address below. For queries about the electoral roll or for further information and help:- Stephen Newell Electoral Roll Officer electoralroll@mardenchurch.org.uk Kathy Young Parish Administrator 01622 831890 office@mardenchurch.org.uk
