Elections to the PCC - who can stand?
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body of elected lay members (9), ex officio & Deanery Synod representatives (3) responsible for the overall functioning of Christ Church including finances, maintenance and above all working with the Rector to develop and engage in the mission of the Church here in St Leonards.
Anyone on our Electoral Roll (ER) who has worshipped at Christ Church for at least six months can stand. If you are not on the ER, but still call Christ Church your home, you may still be able to stand – please speak to Fr Thomas.
We currently expect there to be 3 open seats for 2026.
How to stand for election
You must complete a PCC form, with the names of two people who are on the electoral roll to propose & second your election. You then submit these to Fr Thomas in advance of the APCM. If there are the same (or fewer) candidates as open seats, all are duly elected. However, if there are more candidates than seats, a secret ballot must be held of all on the electoral roll who are in attendance. Therefore, if you would like to stand it would be very helpful to let Fr Thomas know so that we can assess if we need to prepare for a ballot.
Why stand for election
To help set Christ Church’s mission priorities for the future, and help us ensure we have all the correct policies & procedures in place across all aspects of our common life here.
If you are interested and would like to know more, please speak to Fr Thomas ASAP.
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
SUNDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 12:30PM
At the Annual Meeting
At the Meeting we review the past year at Christ Church and look to the next. We also elect new members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and representative
for the Hastings Deanery Synod.
What Will Happen at the Meeting?
Whis is the PCC?
This is an important administrative event and legal duty as a charity, but will also be a great opportunity for us to celebrate everything we’ve done and achieved this year, and we hope to showcase this in the Annual Report and displays in the church. This year we also will say thank you to our two Churchwardens – Sue & Maureen – who will be
standing down having given many years of service to Christ Church.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body of elected lay members (9), ex officio & Deanery Synod representatives (3) responsible for the overall functioning of Christ Church including finances, maintenance and above all working with the Rector to develop and engage in the mission of the Church here in St Leonards.
What is the PCC?
Elections for Churchwardens
Harry Walsgrove & Julie Gidlow have agreed to offer their time & gifts as Churchwardens, and each written a little below about themselves & their calling to the role:
Churchwarden Candidate
Harry Walsgrove
My name is Harry Walsgrove: I am a candidate for the forthcoming Church warden elections; I have been a member of the congregation at Christchurch since 2022 but I have been a member of the Church of England all my life. Many of you know me already, I hope that I have proved that I am reliable, passionate, approachable, trustworthy, hardworking and loyal. I have an extremely deep faith and believe in and want to uphold the values of Christchurch. I am a local born and bred family man and the church is very close to my heart with deep-rooted family connections.
I will promise to give 100% to the role of Churchwarden and I believe that working with fellow candidate Julie Gidlow we share these same values, with a positive outlook and fuuture for Christ Church St Leonard's. If anyone has any questions please do come and talk to me, I am always available.
Churchwarden Candidate
Julie Gidlow
I have worshipped at Christ Church for 25 years, since moving to St Leonard’s with my husband and child. I am now a mother of three (grown up) children, and over the years have become more involved in the work and worship of Christ Church. I have served as Sacristan since 2020, a role that requires strong organisational and administrative skills, ensuring that everything is in the right place for the services. It requires dedication and a strong desire to serve the church and its people in a prayerful and supportive manner. My recent training as an Authorised Lay Minister has brought me into closer contact with members of the congregation, assisting with confirmation classes and providing pastoral care for individuals in a confidential manner. These skills and this experience will help me represent the laity and support our Rector as Churchwarden. I am passionate about the future of Christ Church and would welcome the opportunity to build on the excellent work that has already been done by those currently in this role. I have strong links with other churches in the local area and wider diocese, and am a good communicator, with a heart for stewardship, mission, and spiritual development Above all, I love God and am enthusiastic about making Him present in this community.
I am keen to work with Harry Walsgrove to support Fr Thomas in his vision for this parish, ensuring that the church runs effectively, demonstrating the love of Christ to this community for many years to come.