Every Anglican Parish is obliged to hold an Annual Parochial
Church Meeting. For the Parish of Oadby, of which St Pauls is a part, this
takes place tonight.
But this is much more than an obligation. It’s a time to
look back – reports of the work last year have already been circulated – and an
opportunity to thank God for the work we achieved and also an opportunity to
thank the many members who have been involved.
Despite a widespread belief to the contrary, an individual
parish like ours is not funded by any central source such as the Church
Commissioners. So we depend on the gifts given by individual members of the
church towards the work of God here. This year, we have fully met all our
financial obligations, so we again give thanks to God and our members.
This is also the time when we choose the officers in the
church – Churchwardens, Members of the Parochial (Parish) and District (St
Peter’s & St Paul’s) Church Councils, Secretary, Treasurer etc. Their
commitment will be invaluable in the next year and we also give thanks to those
who willingly gave their time in fulfilling these roles in the past year.
This meeting may be an obligation, but it’s also an
opportunity to look back, to look forward and to give thanks.
