All Parish Churches are now making arrangements to draw up new Electoral Rolls (ER). This procedure takes place every six years, as against just checking and revising the ER every year.
The ER is a parish church’s register of its church members. It is therefore vital that, regardless of the fact that completion of an ER application form is voluntary, our new ER reflects the commitment to HPC which is shown in so many ways by our parishioners every day.
In practical terms, this means that everyone who wishes to be on the ER of St John-at Hampstead (HPC) will need to apply, even if their names are on the current ER. Anyone living in the Parish, and who has been baptised is entitled to have their name on the ER. Those in the Parish who are of a different Christian denomination but now worship at HPC may also apply, but need to be regular worshippers at the church. Similarly those who live outside the Parish boundary but who wish to go on the ER may do so, but again have to be regular worshippers. Further details can be found on the ER form.
Being on the ER means you are entitled to attend and vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and other important events and will be able to vote on any issues concerning HPC. Anyone who wishes to act as a Sidesman or to be on the Parochial Church Council must first be on the ER.
A Notice has now been posted at the entrance to the church announcing the formation of the new ER and an email has been sent to everyone whose address we have inviting them to re-apply and attaching an ER form. There will be periodic reminders for those who may need it.
Application forms are available at the church entrance, from the Parish office or by email request to the electoral roll officer at [email protected].
Completed forms must be returned on or before the closing date of 14 April 2013. A post box for this purpose is located just inside the church by the radiator on the east side. Alternatively, forms may be hand delivered or posted to the electoral roll officer c/o the Vestry.
The New Electoral Roll will then be displayed on the notice board inside the church on the two Sundays before the APCM on 29 April 2013 at which the New Electoral Roll will be presented.
In the unlikely event that you miss the deadline, don’t worry as your name can always be added after the APCM.
If you have any queries about applying to go on the ER please do not hesitate to contact any of the clergy or the electoral roll officer.
Enrolment is an important statement of witness so, do please complete and return your form as soon as you can and spread the word! Thank you for your act of commitment.
A Simple Act of Commitment
Gaynor Bassey