How We Work Together:
Governance at Pip & Jim’s
At Pip & Jim’s we believe that good governance is about working together in faith, openness and trust. It is how we make decisions, listen to God and one another, and make sure the church runs well - from Sunday Services to justice work, concerts, and community events.
Our Church Council (our local equivalent to a Parochial Church Council or PCC) plays a key role in this. It is a group of elected members, clergy and wardens who help shape the direction of the church, make decisions about finance and buildings, as well as holding the big picture of where God is calling us a church.
A smaller group from within the Church Council forms the Standing Committee which meets more regularly to keep things moving and respond promptly to the needs of church life. This committee acts as a central hub, receiving input from a range of groups across the church.
All the following groups report to, and are accountable to, the Standing Committee. They help to ensure that the whole church benefits from joined up thinking and that decisions are collaborative, well-informed, and grounded in the day to day life of the church.
If you would like to learn more, or get involved with any of these teams or groups, we’d love to hear from you!
The Justice Group: oversees our connection with St Andrew’s Ramallah, our Eco Church commitment, charitable giving, and the monthly Veteran’s Breakfast. Contact: John Ward.
The Eco Group: is a prayerful, hands-on team, working towards our Eco Church Gold Award. It is made up of people who care deeply about creation and pray for the church’s environmental witness. Contact: Peter Cottingham.
The Children’s and Youth Caucus: (yes, that’s the right spelling!) gathers all our children’s and youth volunteers, the Vicar, and our Youth Worker to shape and support our ministry with children and families. Contact: Rev Ruth.
The Pastoral Team: is made up of Rev Ruth and a dedicated team of pastoral assistants, offering care and support to members of the congregation - visiting, praying and walking alongside people in all seasons of life. Contact: Hazel Mace.
The Concerts and Events Committee: manages our concert programme, cultural events and hospitality, including our popular CAMELOT lunches, helping to raise funds and build community. Contact: Christine Cayley.
The All-Age Worship Team: includes parents, grandparents, the Music Director (Russell), and those exploring vocation, and helps to shape our worship to welcome everyone, whatever their age. Contact: Rev Ruth.
The Monday Night Service Team: led by lay volunteers and chaired by the Vicar, plans and runs our reflective Monday evening services, rooted in prayer and community. Contact: Rev Ruth.
The Music Diary Group: Ali (Church Warden), Andrew Mallin-Jones (Choir Secretary), Russell (Music Director), and Rev Ruth, coordinate the musical life of the church, to ensure it runs smoothly across the seasons. Contact: Ali or Russell.
The Community Working Group: creates opportunities for connection and belonging, through open, inclusive, events such as the Vicarage Barbecue, community carols, Stay and Play and our much-loved bring and share meals. Contact: Judith Chapman.
The Worship Leading Team: is a wonderfully rich and diverse group, including clergy, retired priests and deacons, licensed lay readers and those in training. The team is currently paused and will gather again when Rev Ruth returns from maternity leave in August 2026. We look forward to resuming the ministry. Contact: Rev Ruth.