United Benefice of Bishop's Cannings, Etchilhampton & All Cannings

   
 

About us

Our churches

Our team

Priesthood

Licensed lay minister

Lay pastoral assistants

Our wider team

Services

Other religious activities

Other activities

News

Diary

Contact us

 

Our Team

Priest in Charge
The Revd William Lang

Assistant priest
The Revd Pat Strowger

Assistant curate
Sue Ascough

Licensed Lay Minister (Reader)
Mr Scott Hulland

Lay pastoral assistants
Mr John Gunnell
Mrs Barbara Gunnell
Mrs Judith Gay
Mrs Elizabeth Currie

 

The Priesthood

In the ordination service, priests (or presbyters) are called by God to work with bishops and deacons as servants and shepherds among the people to whom they are sent. They proclaim the Word of the Lord, and in Christ’s name absolve and declare the forgiveness of sins. They baptize and prepare the baptized for confirmation, and they may solemnize marriage. They preside at the celebration of Holy Communion. They lead the people in prayer and worship, intercede for them, and teach and encourage by word and example. They minister to the sick, and prepare the dying for their death. Both deacons and priests are accredited ministers.

Return to top

 

Licensed Lay Minister (Reader)

Licensed lay ministers (formerly know as readers) are lay men and women in a voluntary ministry who are licensed by the bishop to a particular parish or specialist ministry. They preach and teach, conduct services (including funerals) and assist generally in worship and pastoral care under the supervision of the vicar. Before starting the training programme (which usually lasts three years and leads to the nationally accredited Church of England Readers Certificate) they must be recommended by their vicar and parochial church council and selected at diocesan level. Nowadays reader training is integrated with ordained local minister (OLM) training. The reader for our benefice is Mr Scott Hulland.

Return to top

 

Lay pastoral assistants

A lay pastoral assistant is a person who engages with and uses the gifts and skills he or she has in pastoral ministry on behalf of the local church, always working as part of a team of clergy and lay people. In all cases the ministry calls for a loving and compassionate heart, a willingness to listen and support those in need, and the ability to keep confidences. Lay pastoral assistants may be involved with visiting the housebound, the elderly, the sick at home or in hospital, supporting the bereaved and visiting baptism families.

Return to top

Our Wider Team

The clergy are not the only members of the church team! Essential to the running of our churches are such people as:

Churchwardens – Peter Russ and Lewis Cobb at Bishop’s Cannings, Ruth Chadwick at Etchilhampton, and Peter Griffin and Robert Hanna at All Cannings

Treasurers – William Allen at Bishop’s Cannings & Etchilhampton and Sheila Moss at All Cannings

PCC members – too many to name but their role is to ensure the smooth running of the church and to make those many important decisions about the life and fabric of the church

Bell Ringers – their primary role is to call the faithful to worship by ringing the bells. They are also enthusiastic and skilled ringers! We are always looking for more ringers so why not come along to a practice night to find out more. Ring the tower captains for details: Ken Chivers for Bishop’s Cannings on 01380 860325 and John Mead for All Cannings on 01380 860348

Choirs – their role is to enhance the worship by leading the singing. We have choirs at All Cannings and Bishop’s Cannings churches. The organists and choir members are passionate about their role and practise regularly. Bishop’s Canning’s choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and our junior members follow the Voice for Life training course. If you would like to join either of our choirs or just want to know what’s involved, please ring Simon Chadwick for All Cannings on 01380 860345 or Peter Madeley for Bishop’s Cannings on 01380 723509.

Return to top

   
     
The Parish Administrator
The Vicarage, Bishop's Cannings, Devizes, SN10 2LD
canningschurcheswilts@yahoo.com      phone/fax 01380 860650