Volunteers needed
Our volunteer teams make sure the church services run smoothly and look after our people and our building. We welcome offers to help from anyone, please don't feel you have not been attending church for long enough or don't know who to ask.
Take a look at all the posts vacant and see if there is anything you are able to do to help. If you are interested in any of these, tell a churchwarden or steward and they will introduce you to the right people. Training is given, you only need interest, not necessarily experience!
Volunteering is a good way to get to know a few more people in the church, learn some practical skills and gain confidence, or have something extra for your CV if you are a student or returning to work.
Editor of Sydenham Life
Thank you to Cécile Schnyder who is becoming the editor from our March 2012 issue.
Sunday school and creche helpers
If you enjoy caring for young children and could help out with either the creche or the sunday school class for 3-5 year olds, then we would like to hear from you. Please contact Kenlyn Fleary about the creche or Brenda Hurrell, Nic Dax, Father Michael or Heidi about Sunday School.
October 2011 - Premises Committee
The PCC wants to set up a new committee specifically to deal with issues concerning the hiring of the premises (currently handled either by the Building Issues Group or the premises booking officer). Are there any members of the congregation willing to serve on this committee? Please speak to the Churchwardens or Lesley Khatibi.
During main Sunday service
These tasks are done during the main Sunday service, or in preparation for it:
- Flower arranging: flower arrangers work in pairs, each pair coming into church on Friday or Saturday every few weeks (at your convenience). You do not need to have a garden yourself and the church pays for basic flowers and equipment. The team is willing to train complete beginners, so please ask Jean Clark for details if you are interested.
- Tea and coffee rota: volunteers work in teams of three to set up the kitchen before the Sunday 10am Eucharist and serve teas, coffees and biscuits when it finishes. We have an industrial dishwasher so there is no reason to dread the washing up! At the moment each volunteer is called upon every five weeks, if we add to the team the duties will be less frequent. Please see Valerie Olufeko or Hazel Carcas for details.
- Serving: altar servers provide practical help with the preparation of the table for Eucharists and with processions. Training is provided and you start with the easiest parts of the role. Robes are provided and laundered for you. People of any age from their teens upwards are very welcome; please note that your health must be up to carrying lighted candles and filled chalices etc. around safely, including up and down steps. Ask the clergy, churchwardens or our new Head Server, Ruth Clarke for more details.
- Sunday School: The Sunday School is in need of teachers and helpers. You will require a CRB check which will be organised by the Church, and is free. If you can help would you please give your names and contact details to Brenda or Nic.
- Singing: there is room for more singers in the adult choir, junior choir and adult informal singing group. More details of our singing groups can be found on the activities page. Please see Dennis Baugh if interested.
Other committees
What if you have no more time on a Sunday? Much of the church's behind the scenes work is done by committees, and you do not have to be a PCC (church council) member to be on one. These committees are small informal groups and meet between twice a year and monthly. We would welcome members of the congregation with particular expertise in any of the following areas:
| Committee | Please speak to: |
|---|---|
| Building Issues | Churchwardens |
| Sydenham Life | Father Michael |
| Social and Fundraising | Gill Daly, Nic Dax |
| Youth Work | Heidi, Claire Adams |
| Health and Safety | Churchwardens |
| Environment | Abigail Kingston, Bernard Rice |
Items currently outside committees:
There are several areas currently covered by one or two individuals outside a formal committee structure.
- Gift Aid : Aimee Dean and Molly Wickert currently administer our gift aid scheme