Organisation and Management
Clergy Team
St Columba’s has had a ministry team of various sorts for over 25 years. At present it consists of four non-stipendiary Episcopalian priests and a Lutheran priest, who is studying for a PhD at New College. Together these enrich the life and work of the church with their varied gifts, conducting liturgy, preaching, participating in the music and undertaking pastoral work.
Pastoral Care
Members of the congregation who are unable to join us on Sundays, or who are unwell or are in need of care, are visited by a member of the Clergy Team or a Eucharistic Minister and a congregational member visiting in pairs.
Lay Participation
The congregation is divided into four Columban groups which meet regularly, usually over a meal at a member’s home, to discuss church issues and organise intercessors, readers, and after service refreshments on a four monthly cycle. Others do the garden, the flowers, organise fund-raising events, monthly walks, parties and meals and the annual ‘Big Clean’. Almost everyone does something.
Vestry
The Vestry is responsible for the management of temporal affairs and also assists the Rector in the spiritual welfare of the congregation. It comprises the Rector, the Church Wardens, the lay representative, and nine other elected members who cover a wide experience of family, working and retired life, and are represented by a variety of professions. The Vestry is assisted by five working groups which works collaboratively with nominated clergy and Vestry members covering communication, Christian education, liturgy and music, pastoralia and social responsibility.
St. Columba’s Resources Ltd
Our facilities management company maintains the buildings and hall lettings on behalf of the Vestry. It holds an AGM in June.
Hall Administrator and Caretaker
We share the services of an administrator with one of our Ecumenical Partners, Augustine. The Administrator’s main function is to be responsible for promoting our hall and room lets. The Administrator’s time is split between working for the Resources Company and the Vestry. The company also employs a part-time caretaker on our behalf.
AGM
We hold an Annual General Meeting in November at which the Rector, Vestry, Resources Company and working groups report to the congregation.