PCC Meeting - September 2008
Minutes of PCC meeting held on 18th September 2008
Signage for St Anne's
The existing proposal was rejected by the DAC after a site visit. As the process has already taken over 2 years, the rector has asked Martin Flegg to take over the process of getting DAC approval.
Eco-congregations
A visit from the Energy Saving Trust produced a recommendation to monitor meter readings and insulate the roof space.
The other work by the Ecocongregation group has focused on Ribbesford churchyard; Rosemary Winnall will liaise on a survey of flora in the churchyard and do a fungus survey this autumn.
A start has been made on clearing and maintaining small areas by volunteers from the group, and other initiatives are planned.
Grass cutting at Ribbersford
Work on coordinating this is pending.
Evensong
It was reported that 2 new people had begun attending.
It was agreed to discuss this further next year.
Quinquennial report
At present only St Anne's report has been received.
In it there were three matters for immediate attention:-
- removal of the pigeons
- improving guttering
- roof space access & insulation
Budget
The main item of expenditure in the budget is the recommendations in the Quinquennial report, for which £24,000 has been set aside.
The Parish Share is not yet known but is expected to rise to £56,000.
Reordering
Richard Giles, author of Repitching the Tent, visited St Anne's and talked to 5 members of the congregation about reordering the church.
His radical and exciting ideas were inspiring, and will be followed by a letter outlining his thoughts.
Messy Church
This was well attended, particularly by pre-schoolers.
Two more events have been planned.
Islam Bible Studies
A series of Bible study notes will be trialled at St Anne's in November.
Magic Club
Mark Townsend, an ordained "magician", will run an after-school club in November.
Work with Young People
A small group has been convened to discuss this.
Child Protection Policy
The policy was read and approved.
Advent 4
The Rector reported that he had been approached by some members of the congregation and asked to reinstate the pre-Christmas “Cloth for the Cradle” ceremony.
His suggestion of a non-eucharistic service incorporating the ceremony was approved.
Parish Fete
Mrs Susan Price opened a discussion about the present format and purpose of the fete.
Opinions were voiced as to the desirability of change; the Council supported another attempt to reschedule its time and place, and added thanks for the considerable contribution the fete's organisers have made over the years and recognised these people's need for more help.
Diocesan Assembly
Mrs Susan Price's notes were circulated and she was thanked for these.
Any other business
- Mrs Price drew the meeting's attention to the Christmas Food lists in church
- Reminder: the Bishop visits and preaches at an evening service on Oct.2nd
- Deanery Synod: the number of clergy will be reduced by 2010, meaning that Wribbenhall and Bewdley will be combined into one parish
Date of next meeting: PCC, 20th November, 7.30pm at St Anne's.
