PCC Meeting - July 2009


Highlights from the PCC meeting held on 9th July 2009

Matters arising not already on the agenda

  1. Charitable Status of PCC
    Michael reiterated that we are now a charity and need to register as such by September 2009. Each member of the PCC has to be registered as a trustee: those not present at last PCC meeting still need to do this. Clarification: must include co-opted members.
  2. Authorised Lay Ministry Scheme
    Keith sees our main need as being for more readers to lead worship, take funerals, etc. It will be necessary to take Bishop's Certificate first.
  3. Parish Weekend
    Will go ahead: over 50 intend coming. Planning group to arrange further meeting shortly.
  4. Bishop's Certificate
    7 people attended initial meeting. To run Thursday mornings 10.30-12.00 starting 24th September, 2009.

Wribbenhall & Bewdley in 2010 - patterns of worship
Document circulated with possible patterns for Sunday morning worship in the 2 parishes. Joe explained logic and need behind the 2 suggested patterns and agreed to e-mail copies to PCC. 5th Sundays still to be addressed after main pattern is agreed. Extensive discussion ensued. There was general support for plan B: e.g. felt helpful to keep present timings and there will always be option of attending Eucharist at one of the churches.

Lay Chair of PCC
There are advantages to having a lay chair of PCC and we have had one in the past. Keith suggested we consider this for next meeting.

Evensong review
Twelve months had elapsed since PCC had last considered this in response to Mike Robinson's letter: as agreed issue is now being reviewed. Graphs were distributed showing attendance at St Leonards. Evensong attendance has not significantly increased. There was general acceptance that numbers were not sufficient for a meaningful evensong. General feeling was that it was now logical to consider response in 2010 alongside other changes that would be needed.

Budget 2010 - planning
Is there anything we need to add to budget? Following Quinquennial review, work has already started on St Anne's and St Andrew's but report for St Leonard's is still awaited. Any major expenditure required will probably now need to be added to 2011 budget. Joe raised issue of cleaning at Ribbesford: it was confirmed that money is available for this. Keith invited members to join him in budget planning.

Any other business

  1. Signage at St Anne's
    Suggested designs were distributed for discussion : stainless steel with letters etched and inlaid in blue enamel. 3 signs to go on N, S and E ends of church. Following discussion proposal to accept designs was voted on : 8 for, 4 against with 2 abstentions. Opinion was divided over whether signs should read St Anne's Bewdley or St Anne's Church. It was agreed to return to this in September with Martin to provide further information about options.
  2. Church Housing Trust
    PCC had been approached inviting support for their work with the homeless. Further information available from Brian.
  3. Eco Congregation: brief update
    Jane Moreton will promote Christian Ecology Link, Jane Bradley will discuss with Joe how youth group members might get involved with ecology work at Ribbesford, Brian will join group seeking Transition Town status for Bewdley.

Date of Next PCC meeting : Thursday 24th September 2009, 7.30pm at St Anne's.