Draft Minutes of the PCC meeting 4^th February 2008

 

 

Eric welcomed everyone to the meeting and David led the prayers.

 

                                                                                                           

Present

 

 

 

David Herbert,   Eric Plenderleath,   Alex Henderson,   Jane Holmes,  Harry Wilson, Peter Ladd, Jane Parker, Ron Fuller, Judith Brown,  Michael Burgess,  Yvonne Albon,  Richard Tuckwell,  Susie Connolly.

 

 

 

1.  Apologies

 

Margaret Marr, Mary Burgess, Katherine Doyle.  

 

 

2.  Minutes of meeting held on 3^rd December 2007

 

The minutes were accepted as a true record.

 

3.  Matters Arising

 

• Christingle stands tried as a result of the Risk Assessment were not successful and will be reconsidered for next time.

   

• A Spring Clean date should be decided.

   

• No further examples of envelopes for donations had been obtained.

   

• Harry reminded the meeting of the need to find a replacement for himself as organiser of Tarvin Teas.

   

• Tarvin Christmas Market – we returned £50 to the organisers.

   

• St Andrew’s Organ – Eric reported that the repairs covered by insurance will be done, but that the firm had indicated more work will need to be done to maintain the organ.  It was agreed only to proceed with the insurance work at present.

   

• Slippery path – Alex reported that the path had been treated but the problem would return.  It was agreed to erect a permanent sign warning people of the danger, (H&S/Buildings to organise this).

   

4.  Electoral Roll

 

 

Two applications had been received and accepted.  David advised us that the Roll does not need to be revised this year.

 

5.  Focus Group Reports

 

• St Peter’s -  no meeting held but Peter reported some damage to the ridge tiles on the roof which now need re-pointing.  It was concluded that as it was probably the result of general wear and tear an insurance claim could not be made.  

 

• Finance – no meeting held but Michael (Treasurer) reported:  

Parish Share – confirmation has been received of the 25% rebate, due to David’s Diocesan work, so the Share is now £34.769 and will be split between St Andrew’s and St Peter’s.   However it is temporary for 2/3 years.

 

Envelopes for donations at weddings etc. – discussion but no resolution. Further examples to be obtained and printing / wording discussed.

 

Legacies – as agreed details had been published in Grapevine.  A £10,000 legacy had been received from the will of a Mr Bate who died in 1958 and is buried in Tarvin Churchyard.  It has been put in the Deposit Account.

 

Banking duties – a rota of six will now do the weekly banking, each serving for two months.

 

Assistant Treasurer – Michael is to retire in April 2009 so the appointment of an assistant this year would be prudent.

 

Eric (Churchwarden) reported:

 

The Vicarage hall & stairs carpet had been replaced due to wear and tear/H&S concerns.

 

Security of the church and contents should be reviewed.

 

 

• Buildings – no meeting held but Alex presented a short update:

   

  1. South Path Repair is now underway

      

  2. South Aisle Ceiling Repaint—2 Quotations are awaited from local painters.

      

  3. Energy saving.—Suggestion to insulate south aisle ceiling prior to painting rejected by architect’s office. Only way to insulate is to strip the slate roof, raise with batons and insulation and then re-slate.

      

  4. Parish Room Boiler has now been repaired. Await servicing and Gas Test certificate.

      

  5. Parish Room downspout has been repaired.

      

  6. Creepers have been removed from the rear windows of the Parish Room.

       

• Health & Safety  - paper report received from Yvonne– main items:

   

Parish rooms – cleaning and chemicals.  Val Collins to organise a rota of volunteers.

 

First Aid course, 14^th February.

 

Risk Assessments will be undertaken by John Winward.

 

Attention was drawn to the wobbly notice board by the cenotaph.

 

 

• Worship – met on 29 January, Richard presented a written report - main items:

   

Review of the Singing Workshop Day;  review of Christmas services;  use of Old Testament readings in the morning services

 

 

• Pastoral -  had met in January, Susie reported the main item discussed was Visiting, with the expectations of the visitor and the visited explored.

   

 

• Mission & Ministry Development  - Ron reported that they were not due to meet until 19 February.

   

 

• Ecumenical   -  paper report received from Yvonne – main items:

   

Living Hope – next meeting 17.03.08 Reconciliation in Ireland . Hospitality needed.

 

Passion Play – postponed until 2009

 

Parish Lunches – at TMC, first one Thursday 7 Feb, 12.30 (not 12.00 as in Grapevine).  St Andrew’s volunteers needed.

 

 

 

6.  Members Business:

 

 

·         St Andrew’s Foyer/role of stewards

 

Eric and David introduced a frank and open discussion regarding the recent changes.  The aims had been twofold: 

 

To reduce the ‘clutter’ – which was agreed was achieved

 

To improve our Welcoming – still needs to be developed.

 

It was agreed to revert to the stewards handing out books/service sheets as part of the welcome.  This would hopefully alleviate the ‘log-jam’ around the self-service table.  Stewards will need to be told of the changes.

 

A meeting will be arranged to discuss the issues further – all invited particularly members from St Peter’s.

 

 

·         Carol Service

 

Harry expressed disappointment that the service was not the ‘traditional’ nine lessons and carols.  This led to another open and frank discussion with both criticism and support offered for the 2007 services, which included Nativity, Crib and Carol services.  It was agreed to ask the Worship Group to consider the points made in the discussion when planning the 2008 Christmas services.

 

 

 

 

7.  Agenda Item:

 

 

      Going for Growth

 

                  Ron presented us with a short resume of the course he, Mary and David had been on last year.  The statistics presented showed that parishes with 150 – 200 on their registers had shown a loss of 17% over 2005/06.  However we had broken even!  But we must not be complacent and so were asked to consider why these larger churches are easier to leave and how can we encourage growth.  Using the booklet “Going for Growth” by Bob Jackson the meeting split into smaller groups to brainstorm the eight chapters.  Sharing our findings brought out some ideas for growth which will be taken to the Mission & Ministry Development Group.

 

 

8.  Clergy Report

 

Richard reported

 

• Lent 2008 – DOXA material – only two people have signed up so far – more needed and/or start may be delayed;  The Art of Hospitality at Sunday evening services – began 3 Feb; Room at the Inn – six have signed up so far weekday morning meetings for non-churchgoers to develop faith – starts 19 Feb, anyone can ‘drop-in’.

   

• Youth Group – going well, the young people would like it weekly rather than fortnightly but at present that is not possible.

   

 

David reported

 

• Katherine Doyle and Stephen Hildreth have been to the Diocesan Panel and have their support in offering themselves for ordination. Stephen goes before the National Panel in April and Katharine in June.  The PCC offers their full support and continues to keep them in their prayers.

   

• Richard is to be Priested on Saturday 14 June, at 5pm, in Chester Cathedral.

   

• Open Church will start again in April, Monday to Friday – 9.00 to 3.00, Saturday mornings if possible.  Music Hour one lunchtime using CDs and the sound system could be trialled.

   

• Parish Rooms – some use again of the upstairs room for alternative healing.

   

• Duddon School – due an Ofsted Inspection anytime soon

   

• We should record the passing of some very faithful servants of the Parish most notably

   

Geoff Grimshaw who made an amazing contribution to St Peter’s and Duddon community

 

Mary Mallett particularly for her loyalty and devotion to the Sunday 8.00a.m. Communion service.

 

• Remember in our prayers

   

Marian Kelly who is quite unwell at present.

 

David Burkill-Howarth and Mary Burgess for their continued recoveries and many thanks for their ministry in the Parish.

 

Margaret Marr who is slowly recovering from her eye surgery and so the return to the Scillies is delayed.

 

Phyllis and George Sheridan who celebrate their Diamond Wedding on February 7^th.

 

 

 

9.  A.O.B.

 

David has contacted Karen Bright regarding Fund Raising – meeting to be arranged.

 

Progress on the lectern steps was queried.

 

It was agreed the AGM will be held at Tarvin again this year.

 

 

 

 

Date of next meetings

 

            PCC – Monday 7^th April 2008 at 7.30pm

 

            Standing Committee – *Wednesday 19^th March 2008 at 10.00am  

 

*Deadline for written reports and agenda items.

 

 

The full list of dates for 2008/2009 was agreed.