Our Churchwardens
Ian Hudson, Sue Hayward and Laurence Hayward (left to right)
At St Mary's we have a fantastic team of 2 Church Wardens (Ian Hudson and Sue Hayward) and a Deputy Church Warden (Laurence Hayward).
They are elected by the congregation, at the Annual General Meeting. The Church Wardens are officers of the Bishop and are commissioned by the Bishop of Sheffield, playing a critical role in the life of the church.
Their main duties are in representing the lay members of the congregation, working with the priest-in-charge to encourage people in their faith and mission, and looking after the property in the plate, ornaments, and other movable goods of the church, and keeping an inventory of these items.
They can lead certain kinds of worship (e.g. Morning prayer) if required to do so (however they are not licensed to preach, take funerals, and they are not ordained so they cannot take sacramental services such as baptisms, weddings, and communion).
Our Churchwardens are key contacts for those using the Church building, and with other lay people's support, and our priest-in-charge, play a critical role in ensuring the building and church grounds are in good order, and ready for use, along with supporting/leading on fundraising events such as the Spring and Autumn Fairs, concerts and other community and fundraising events.
If you want to find out more about what Ian, Sue and Laurence do as Church Wardens - please ask them! (by the way - the varied role includes organising events to lighting the candles on a Sunday morning - amongst many other tasks!)
For more information: