What is a PCC and Why might I want to be involved? - 11/11/22

Why might I want to get involved?

Whilst PCC meetings include lots of different things, one of the most exciting things that they do is to help discern and respond to God’s call for the church, parish and use of it’s resources.  Lancaster Priory has four particular strengths through which the PCC can describe it’s ministry and outreach. We believe these form a core part of our identity, gifting and calling. They are:

One: Inspiring new generations.
Although Lancaster Priory has an able and committed core of lay people, these are largely drawn from amongst the retired. Those of a working age are often more peripheral to the life of the church. University students can struggle to make links with the rest of the congregation. As the Priory emerges from the pandemic, it is clear that the work of evangelism and mission with children, young people and their families has suffered. There is a strong cohort of choir families who are committed to the priory but not necessarily well integrated into its life and ministry. We long for the Priory congregation to become broader and more diverse, better representative of our parish and city.

Two: Growing deeper roots on the Marsh.
The Marsh estate, which is amongst the more deprived areas of the city, comprises almost 1/3rd of our parish population along with the neighbouring new Luneside development and is largely unreached by the church. We believe we are called to invest in evangelism and mission in this part of our parish, to plant new congregations, as well as continuing the work of supporting families and young people and offering friendship to the elderly. We believe that we have been called to witness through word and service to proclaim the message of God’s unconditional love on the Marsh.

Three: A Resource for the City, Diocese and Region
The Priory has a recognised role within the city and region as a civic church. The annual pattern of civic engagements that come from universities, schools, city and county continue to be significant but we believe that we are called to develop a distinctive Christian voice within these relationships. The Priory is recognised as a significant and distinctive church within the diocese, but has not historically done much to resource other churches. We believe we are called to be a place of teaching and learning that empowers the people of God in a way that will benefit the whole diocese, and we seek to develop new ministries in this area.

Four: Caring better for God’s Creation
Lancaster Priory has been among the pioneers in Creation Care in Blackburn diocese, holding an ‘A Rocha’ Bronze EcoChurch award. We are fully committed to the General Synod 2030 net zero carbon target, use the Energy Footprinting Tool and Parish Buying Energy Audit. Recognising the crucial significance of the next five years in global efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change, we are committed to doing all we can at church and in our own lives to protect God’s creation, and acknowledge the generosity of God in his Creation.

The next PCC elections will be in May 2023 – could God be calling you to participate in mission and ministry as a PCC member in this next stage of mission and ministry?