Practical ResponsibilitiesThe Archdeacon will initiate guidance and support as soon as a vacancy is announced. The parish has three particular duties during a vacancy:
Churchwardens should:
Sequestration accountIncomeThe main source of income during a period of sequestration continues to be ‘local’ income and you should prepare and submit as normal an account to the Diocesan Board of Finance for its share of the Parochial Fees on a monthly basis identifying on the heading of the fees form that this is your Sequestration account. ExpenditureThe Diocesan Board of Finance will be responsible for reimbursement of appropriate expenses to balance the account. Expenses which can be charged to a sequestration account include parsonage telephone line rental, cost of maintaining ‘minimum’ heating of the parsonage, reasonable expenses incurred by the church officials and limited expenses incurred in connection with the Induction of the new incumbent (e.g. postage). However, if these charges are to be reclaimed, you are asked to try and keep this them as low as possible. If in doubt, please consult the Diocesan Office in advance. (Please note: security alarm, water rates and parsonage house repairs are not chargeable to the sequestration account.) Retired clergy claim their fees and travelling expenses from the Diocesan Board of Finance; others should be paid travelling expenses only, which can be charged to the sequestration account. Claims should be submitted using the Sequestration account form. Filling the VacancyThe Archdeacon will guide the parish through the process in four stages: New VacancyThe Archdeacon will make contact/meet with church officers, and visit the PCC to explain the process and advise on the preparation of a Parish Profile. The PCC elects representatives at a ‘section 11 Meeting’ or equivalent; sometimes, but not always, churchwardens are chosen. ExplorationChurchwardens may be asked to ‘host’ informal visits of prospective applicants, with the Area Dean InterviewChurchwardens may meet candidates, but are only on the interview panel if elected a Parish Representative. WelcomeChurchwardens attend the Property Secretary’s visit to the Parsonage House with candidate and Archdeacon, giving local advice where needed. They should liaise with new priest about moving arrangements, encourage welcome by parishioners. Take part in the Licensing Service, including words of welcome to the new priest (and family). |