Governance at Bow Church is about how we share responsibility for the life of the church – how we make decisions, care for what we’ve been given, and play our part in what God is doing here in Bow. Our Parochial Church Council (PCC) is at the heart of that, working to provide prayerful, practical leadership. Each year, we gather at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) to look back on the year, look ahead and elect PCC members. The Electoral Roll sits alongside this as a simple way of saying, ‘this is my church’ – enabling people to take part in the APCM and, if they wish, stand for the PCC. The sections below explain how all of this works and how you can be involved.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is a key moment in the life of Bow Church. It’s where we come together to look back on the past year, look ahead to what’s next, and take shared responsibility for the life and direction of the church.

At the APCM we:

  • receive reports on the life of the church, including our Annual Report and financial statements

  • hear an update on the Electoral Roll

  • elect members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC)

  • reflect together on where God is leading us as a church

Immediately before the APCM we hold the Annual Meeting of Parishioners (AMP), where churchwardens are elected.

APCM 2026

Date: Thursday 21 May 2026

Time: 7-9pm

Location: Bow Church

The AMP will take place first, followed by the APCM.

Papers and Reports

Reports for the APCM will include:

  • Annual Report of the PCC (including safeguarding and fabric)

  • Financial Statements

  • Electoral Roll report

These will be made available in advance of the meeting and copies will be available on the day.

Taking Part

If Bow Church is your church, there are a few ways you can take part:

  • Come along – everyone is welcome to attend

  • Join the Electoral Roll – this allows you to vote and stand for the PCC

  • Pray and contribute – this is part of how we discern our life together

Key Dates

  • Electoral Roll revision: 19 April – 3 May 

  • APCM notice displayed by: 7 May 

  • Papers available: from 14 May 

  • APCM: Thursday 21 May 

If you have any questions about the APCM, the Electoral Roll, or standing for the PCC, please get in touch or speak to one of the team.

As part of the APCM, we elect churchwardens (at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners) and members of the PCC. If you are considering serving in one of these roles, the forms below allow you to be nominated. Both are important ways of sharing in the leadership and stewardship of Bow Church. If you’re interested in either, we’d really encourage you to have a conversation with one of the staff team or someone currently operating in the role.

Access the forms here:

Once completed, the forms can be sent to either PCC@bow.church.

Electoral Roll

The Church Electoral Roll is the church’s official list of those who belong to the Church of England at Bow. It’s a simple way of saying ‘this is my church’ and of taking part in its life and decision-making.

Being on the Electoral Roll allows you to:

  • vote at the APCM

  • stand for election to the PCC

  • take part more fully in the governance of the church

You don’t need to be on the Electoral Roll to attend church or be part of the community, but it does enable you to play a part in shaping the life of the church in a more formal way.

Who can join?

You can apply to be on the Electoral Roll if you:

  • are baptised and aged 16 or over (or will be within the next 12 months), and

  • are a member of the Church of England (or another Trinitarian church and willing to identify with the Church of England here), and

  • either live in the parish, or have been worshipping regularly at Bow Church for at least the last six months

When can I join?

You can apply to join the Electoral Roll at any time during the year.

Each year, before the APCM, the roll is revised. During that period there is a short window for new applications and updates to be included in time for that year’s APCM.

Why does it matter?

The Electoral Roll helps us share responsibility for the life of the church. It gives a clearer picture of those who are committed here and enables the APCM to be a meaningful moment of participation and discernment.

Apply

Joining the Electoral Roll is straightforward. If Bow Church is your church and you’re not yet on the roll, you’re warmly encouraged to apply. You can do that by filling out this form, or - if you prefer - ask to complete a paper copy the next time you’re at Bow Church.

If you’re not sure whether you’re already on the roll, or have any questions, do speak to one of the team or send an email to PCC@bow.church.