The PCC Member’s Essential Guide – Book Review

This book by Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick, according to Archbishop John Sentamu, is ‘a gem – highly practical, light hearted and down to earth.’ As we again approach the time of our Church Annual Parochial Meeting (APCM) it is a book that would be informative for existing Parochial Church Council (PCC) members, those thinking about becoming PCC members or, in fact, full of information for anyone wondering how a church community functions – who does what, why and when?

It answers questions such as what a Parish Church is for, what is (and isn’t) a PCC, and what does it do? How does it serve the local community in which it is placed and how does it fit into the bigger picture relating to the Deanery, Diocese, National Church and Global Anglican Communion?

We are reminded in this book that although the PCC has legal and practical responsibility for the running of our church here in Bishopstoke, this is done within a framework of prayer and with a focus on God’s love for us all and the working of the Holy Spirit.

The PCC Member’s Essential Guide is available for loan from the libraries at St Mary’s and St Paul’s. You could be surprised by some of the information it contains!