Whirring cogs

The Priory’s a big church - it’s not just a Major Church - and it takes a lot of ‘running’ to keep it running smoothly.

The Custos Team and Admin Team do a fantastic job, but they’re not alone. Behind the scenes there’s a giant machines-worth of volunteers giving their skills to the church. And at this time of vacancy, Neil and David, the Churchwardens, have a huge additional responsibility. We pray for them, particularly, at this time.

The Priory PCC’s been very busy since Rod’s retirement, creating and agreeing the Parish Profile and advert for the next Priory vicar, and meeting with representatives from the Diocese, amongst other things.

The PCC oversees five Committees - Buildings and Grounds, Finance, Mission, Priory Development Plan, and Worship. These are in effect the ‘engine room’ of the PCC. Members of the PCC serve on these Committees, assisted by co-opted members.

In addition, there are many PCC Groups representing a wide range of Priory activities - from Environment, to Bell-ringing, via Comms, Flower Arranging, PALs and many more. They’re all made up of volunteers from the congregation, and report to the Committees.

Monday was a particularly busy day this week. The Priory Development Plan Committee was meeting to discuss the next steps in the project, at the same time that the Mission Committee had an agenda including the Festival of Nativities and welcoming new folk to the Priory.

But that wasn’t all! In the evening the Comms Group (which reports to the Mission Committee) gathered in hybrid fashion - both in-person and online to plan their very varied upcoming activities in print, in person and online.

It’s a very effective (and sociable) machine, whirring away in the background, almost invisible, as the daily cycle of prayer and worship continues at the very heart of Malvern - Great Malvern Priory.