Interregnum / Vacancy
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE VACANCY?
The wardens, as Bishop’s appointees, have formal responsibility for the parish church in a vacancy. There are a small number of things that only an incumbent vicar can legally do (usually signing bits of paper!) and in that case the Area Dean takes the role of incumbent for these. It is also the Area Dean’s role to maintain contact with the wardens and offer some support during the vacancy (but note – the Area Dean is not “in charge” and is not the boss of local clergy – its very much “first among equals” role and acting as a conduit for information from the Bishops etc down to local clergy).
The Archdeacon is directly responsible and will be keeping a close eye on the parish church and in fact is your first visiting preacher and clergy member, coming on 12th April (a week after I have left!) and will be at both services that day!
Services will run as normal as far as is possible and led by:
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Local clergy (Simon and Jeremy Groombridge have offered to cover many services)
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Visiting preachers from local churches including occasional mission partners
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Usual teams for Worship for Everyone
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A small team of lay leaders and worship band leaders for Third Service
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Other volunteer lay leaders for the 10.15am
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Your Readers
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Other visiting clergy to preside at the 8.45am
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The wardens (for gaps)
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You?.....if you think you might be able to help let the wardens Alison and Bob or Jean in the office know….
Any questions, please let speak to the wardens Alison and Bob.
Announcement from 14 December 2025
Dear all,
It was announced today in church that I have been appointed Rector of All Saints with St Antony in Sanderstead.
The dates of my leaving Christ Church and starting in Sanderstead have stiil to be agreed (and are subject to the Bishop's diary!)
This is a call from God to one more parish and is a fresh start. In no way am I running away from Christ Church (!) and this news is tinged with some sadness at leaving as well as excitement for that new thing God has in store.
Further details to follow and happy to have a chat over coffee if anyone would like to.
Regards
Doug
Rev Doug McHardie
Vicar Christ Church Purley