These minutes are published on the basis that such matters
(if there be any) which the PCC has resolved shall remain confidential have
not been included
MINUTES OF THE PCC MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY 23rd. April 2007 AT 7.15 pm IN THE REID
ROOM
This was the first meeting of the new PCC. Erik welcomed the new members
and spoke briefly about PCC procedures.
28 PCC members were present at the meeting.
1. Worship
The reading was Mark 1, verses 14 – 20. Erik pointed out that at this
time, if the Kingdom was to move forwards, then it was time for Jesus to
start telling the message – God’s time had come, the moment had arrived.
The PCC, which will be involved in many important decisions in the next few
months, can learn from this. In order to hear God’s voice in the midst of
the clamour around us Bible study and prayer are essential. Scripture must
set our priorities as we prayerfully discern God’s direction and timing.
2. Election of PCC Secretary
In the absence of any other nomination, Kate Morris agreed to act as PCC
secretary for the coming year.
3. Apologies for absence
These were received from David Atkin, Kath Devers, Rev. Nick Heaton, Tony
Hutchings, Linda Peacock, and Hugo Pollak.
4. Minutes of the Last Meeting
There was one amendment to the minutes – page 1, No. 2 – change ‘treasurer’
to ‘potential treasurer.’
It was proposed by John Downs and seconded by Bob Parkin that, with this
amendment, the minutes of the meeting of 5 March be approved as an accurate
record. All who had been present were in favour and the file copy was signed
by the Vicar.
5. Matters Arising from the Minutes
a) Nave Re-ordering Update
Andrew Argyle informed the PCC that a full written report would be
available for the next meeting. Advice has been taken from a structural
engineer about the floor. The report will consider how we can extend and
maximise flexibility in the nave in terms of both worship and furniture. The
report will outline two possible schemes for the PCC – one of the schemes
will include the replacement of the floor. So far the working party has not
incurred any professional fees outside the group. There will be opportunity
for discussion at a later date.
b) Charitable Disbursements
Re the £4000 not allocated in 2005/6 – As response to the
recommendation of the PCC regarding Sowing Seeds Ministries has not yet been
received from the mission sub-committee, as the relevant meeting has not yet
been held. It was suggested that the new mission sub-committee look at this
as soon as possible.
Rowland reported on the current state of St. Andrew’s School (now has
classrooms up to roof level) and Domebeppeso School (still needs money for
improving the buildings). There is £3015 still in the budget from the Ghana
Gift Fund intended for these two schools and Stuart Gunn will be asked to
execute this on behalf of the PCC.
c) Toddler Group
Have gained some new helpers since the appeal for help.
d) Electoral Roll Revision
Rowland Cowley reported that at the time of the APM the Electoral Roll
had 259 members which compares favourably with the pre-APM number. However,
37 of these are new to the Electoral Roll. There are 55 who have not
rejoined (some have moved away or died) but some, who are still attending
church have not given a reason and Erik will try to speak to all of these
– probably about 20.
There have been 3 new applications since the APM.
6. Correspondence
A letter has been received from the parish priest of St Andrew’s church
in Jachie full of warm thanks for the 150 Bibles and commentary that we
donated. Rowland told the PCC that they were so happy to get them that they
started to dance!
Rowland gave a report on his recent visit to Ghana. An ophthalmic
nurse sponsored by USPG has been working in the clinic for the last 6
months. Many more cases of glaucoma are being diagnosed and a separate
glaucoma clinic would be helpful but would need funding for another nurse.
There are more blind children who will need to attend the School for the
Blind. Rowland is still hoping to find a way for a similar school in the
Kumasi area. As the staff salaries have been increased by CHAG Rowland is
asking OHP to pay the total costs for one of the workers. Rowland is asking
OHP to consider building accommodation for visiting medical staff and to
consider separate accommodation for Sister Aba. Rowland has written to
Sister Dorothy Stella on all these matters. (Letter enclosed in file copy of
minutes)
Stephen Corner has written to the PCC. He thanks everyone for their
support and guidance – he has completed a degree in Youth Studies and is
now hoping to undertake a masters degree in Youth and Community work. If
this becomes possible he would like to be considered for a placement at St.
Barnabas. The placement would be for 52 weeks for 20 hours a week. Stephen
is asking for the prayers of the PCC and his placement will be considered
later.
John Downs reported a letter from the Guides and Brownies saying that
because of Gift Aid income they do not need their annual grant from the PCC
(for the national fees) this year. The money will remain in the budget for
Youth Work and the Guides and Brownies will be told that if they should need
anything later on it will be considered sympathetically.
7. Vicar’s Remarks
Erik listed the major decisions which have fallen to this PCC – the
Nave Re-ordering/the question of Pastoral ministry in the light of Sheila’s
resignation/retirement of the Director of the Choir/Sheila’s retirement
next year as Director of Music/the ministry to schools (Laura moving)/the
availability of the house in Queen’s Road/work with young adults/Nick’s
curacy coming to an end/cell group option in September. He highlighted that
all these are, or could be interlinked issues.
In the light of this there will be a PCC Vision Day from 10.00 – 4.00
on Saturday 12th. May, when we can clarify what God is asking of
us now, and see how all the issues fit together under a vision
which links them.
In response to a question about the possibility of Nick staying for
longer, Erik explained that his initial enquiries suggest that this is a
very unlikely possibility.
Erik said that a suggestion/briefing note would be available before the
12th. May - but not the findings of the last Vision Day because
things have moved on since then.
.
8. Election of PCC Officers
The PCC were unanimously in favour of the following appointments.
a) Treasurer
Keith Barker was proposed by Chris McGregor and seconded by John Downs.
Keith was appointed unopposed and thanked for his willingness to undertake
the job. He will work alongside Stuart Gunn for a while.
b) Electoral Roll Officer
Rowland has done this for 25 years and is willing to continue. He has
carried out the major revision this year and he is willing to continue.
Rowland was proposed by Erik and seconded by Bob Parkin.
c) Deputy Churchwardens
All the deputy wardens are prepared to continue – Alistair Bolton, Val
Hill, Harry Holden, Tony Hutchings, Graeme Malyon, Bill McGregor, Richard
Peacock, Ruth Ritchie and Briony Watkinson. Bob Parkin proposed and John
Downs seconded these nominations and all were elected as deputy wardens.
d) PCC Vice-Chairperson
Erik proposed that John Downs continue in this role.
e) Gift-Aid Secretary
Hugo Pollak is willing to continue and was proposed by Sue Ravalde and
seconded by John Downs.
9. Election of PCC sub-committees
a) Standing Committee
Membership of this committee is statutory. It meets between PCC meetings
in case of emergency – Vicar, Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary.
b) Buildings sub-committee
The following were nominated – Erik Wilson, Nigel Fletcher (Chair) Bob
Parkin, John Downs, Keith Barker, Dawn Howitt, Bill McGregor, Chris
McGregor, John Whitney. Their election was proposed by Alun Cradock and
seconded by Barbara Edwards – all in favour.
c) Finance sub-committee
The following were nominated – Erik Wilson, Keith Barker (Chair) Andrew
Argyle, David Atkin, Ian Bell, Nigel Harrison, Graeme Malyon, Peggy Moor,
Hugo Pollak. Their election was proposed by Barbara Edwards and seconded by
Franchesca Argyle – all in favour.
d) Mission sub-committee
The following were nominated – Erik Wilson, Val Hill (Chair) Rowland
Cowley, Andrew Falconer, Olive Herbst, Glynis Hill, Harry Holden, Mark
Kirkpatrick, Sue Ravalde, Ruth Ritchie.
e) Nave Working Party
The Nave Working Party is at a crucial stage and Erik proposed that it
should stay as it is. This was proposed by Steve Corner and seconded by
Doreen Lynas – all in favour. Members are: Andrew Argyle (Chair) Erik
Wilson, John Downs, Bob Parkin, Nigel Fletcher, Tony Hutchings, Bill
McGregor, Maurice Palmer and Jenny Reid.
10. Buildings sub-committee Report
Bob Parkin gave this report.
a) The church
Organ serviced by Lightbowns before Easter. (£226.78)
Chubbs carried out the annual fire extinguisher service in both church
and hall and made some alterations to comply with new regulations.
(£600.07)
b) The Hall
PPS re plastered hole in wall of entrance corridor. (£293.75)
Maval renewed 2 faulty light fittings in the main hall. (£334.88)
c) The Houses
23 Linden Grove had annual service of security alarm system. (£65.80)
d) General
Stonecraft have cleaned and checked low level gutters and down pipes,
including gulleys.
11. Any Other Notified Business
Keith Barker withdrew for this item when Erik indicated that it would
refer to his wife, Sheila. Erik explained that Sheila has now stepped down
from her role as Pastoral Worker, but for the time being she is continuing
as Director of Music. When Sheila was previously Director of music she had
an honorarium of £2600 per annum. Sheila is happy to go back to an
honorarium and this has already been budgeted for.
A discussion followed which concluded with the PCC being invited to
consider an honorarium of £3200 for Sheila as Director of Music. This
figure is reached by considering the original honorarium with an allowance
for annual inflation. This was proposed by John Downs and seconded by
Alistair Bolton. It was accepted - 17 for, 3 against, 7 abstentions. It
should be noted that those who opposed the proposal indicated that they
would prefer a higher figure. Erik highlighted that all Sheila does is from
her love for God – we couldn’t pay her what she is worth.
12. Date of Next Meeting
Monday 4 June at 7.15 pm.
13. Prayer
The meeting closed with prayer and the grace.
PCC DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
2007 – JUNE 4, JULY 2, SEPT 3, OCT 1, NOV 5, DEC 3.
2008 – JAN 7, FEB 4, MAR 3.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – MAR 31 2008
