All Saints Church PCC Minutes

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, WRITTLE
MEETING OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ON THURSDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2010

MINUTES

Those attending

Rev Michael Jones (Chair)	Rev Susan Iskander	Sally Cansdale (Minutes)
Tony Ripton	Dave Stanley	Pauline Montague
Margaret Annelli	Andrew Brewster	Diana Day
Sue Howden	Amy Lattimer	Andrew Middleton
Michael Rose	Jane Stanley

 

1. Welcome and apologies for absence

Michael welcomed all to the meeting, which commenced with prayers.  A special welcome was extended to Andrew Brewster.  Apologies were received from Jerry Allanson.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 16 November

a. the minutes were approved and signed.
b. Matters arising and action points:
Item 13 – A number of bibles were looked at by Standing Committee.  40 have now been  ordered at a cost of £500 + VAT.

Item 14a – Pauline produced some suggested designs for donation cards, should anyone wish to use them.

3. Officer’s reports

Vicar Susan reported on a very successful SHAPE course which was attended by 8 participants.  She is now in the process of holding 1-1 discussion with those people.  It was agreed that another course should be run in the new year. 
Churchwardens A report had been circulated in advance of the meeting.  Dave added to the report by saying that the large chest, in the south porch, was to be valued, and offered for sale.  He was thanked for all his work in clearing the south porch.
Treasurer Accounts and a report had been circulated, together with a number of options for budgeted spending for 2011. 
It was proposed by Dave Stanley, and seconded by Mike Rose, that for 2010, All Saints should pay 85% of the Parish Share. 
Diana enquired about a proposed letter to be sent to all members of the congregation concerning increased expenditure.  It was agreed that a letter should be sent illustrating the financial position in very simple terms.
It was agreed that, before deciding on the appropriate option for 2011 spend, more information was needed from the Diocese concerning potential penalties for non-payment of full Parish Share.
Marriage fees will remain unchanged for 2011 and 2012.  Vergers’, for weddings, should be at the same rate as those for funerals.
Secretary Sally told the meeting that she was still waiting for some people to send her their contact details.

4. Stewardship

Covered in Treasurer’s report.

5. Health and Safety

Nothing to report at present.

6. Committee and other reports

All Saints Website No report.
Charity Committee The Advent charity will be NSPCC.
Christian Centre The Christian Centre trustees will meet the cost of repairing the drain outside the main entrance. (repaired by Martin Wood)
Churchyard Conservation Area Nothing to report.
Deanery Synod Diana gave a comprehensive report of the Deanery Synod meeting.  A copy is available should anyone wish to have one.
Fabric Committee A report had been circulated.  A bill has been forwarded, by Phil Stephens, for the H & S report on the Sound Lantern. 
Friends of Writtle Church Richard Oscroft is keen to organise a Son et Lumiere. A meeting is scheduled, in December, to discuss. 
Social Committee A report had been circulated.
Worship Group All is going well.

7. Evening Services during winter months

Michael pointed out that Evensong was very poorly attended and proposed that this service should not continue.  He proposed that, on third Sundays, an informal afternoon Communion service should be held, using a variety of formats.  A suggested time of 3.30pm was offered, to make use of any residual heat from morning service, and to help keep heating costs to a minimum.

8. PCC Awayday - debrief

Mike Rose produced copies of the flip charts from the day, detailing ideas/aspirations for moving forward.  It was agreed that the day had been very worthwhile, and that a number of ideas should be followed up immediately.
Mike Rose will begin informal discussions with Hylands School with a view to forming closer links.
Sue Howden will take forward the idea of small prayer groups and prayer partners.
Margaret Anelli will talk at the next Sunday service about House Groups and ask interested parties to speak to her.
Sally Cansdale will arrange a date for carol singing at Dukes Orchard.
Andrew Brewster will speak to the bellringers about a possible social event in the new year.

9. 2011 - Year of the Bible

Michael reported that the Diocese has a number of suggestions for how this can be marked.  He will look for volunteers and ideas.

10. Future redesign of the church interior

It was agreed that before anything could be usefully discussed, a number of issues need to be dealt with.  This matter to be carried forward to the next meeting.

11. Deanery vision and shared ministry with Roxwell

Michael reported that he meets regularly with Karen Best.  There will be a joint service, at Roxwell, on Ash Wednesday, and other shared events will take place during 2011.

12. Lent Course
It was reported that Bishop Stephen’s book would be used for 2011 courses.

13. Christmas Services
A new liturgy will be used for Advent Services this year.

14. Leadership Team
A new group is to be formed to assist in improving communication.  Representatives from a number of groups have been invited to attend the first meeting on 25 November.

15. Any other business
a. Diana asked that the radiator switch and plug in the office should not be touched.  The heater is programmed to switch on at set times.  If unplugged it then needs to be reprogrammed.

b. Phil and Trish Stephens have used their leaving gift from All Saints to purchase a shed, which has now been erected in the garden of their new home.
   
With no further business to discuss, the meeting closed, with the Grace, at 10.10pm.