Church Activities

PCC Minutes for December 2007 Meeting

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 3rd DECEMBER 2007 AT 7.15 pm IN THE REID ROOM

26 PCC members were present at the meeting.

1. Worship

The PCC read Psalm 70 together. Erik highlighted the urgency in the psalm – the psalmist needs urgent help as an individual but also wants to number himself among the community of those who experience the Lord’s salvation and who acknowledge, "Great is the Lord."

2. Apologies for absence

These were received from Keith Barker, Paul Bury, Harry Holden, Dawn Howitt, Tony Hutchings, Chris McGregor, Jo Monaghan, and Peggy Moor.

3. Minutes of the Last Meeting

There was one amendment – Page 2 Point 7 Line 19 should read "Nigel has building experience." With this amendment it was proposed by Erik Wilson and seconded by Alistair Bolton that the minutes of the meeting of 5 November be approved as an accurate record. All were in favour and the file copy was signed by the Vicar.

4.Matters Arising from the Minutes

a) Alterations for Nick Barr-Hamilton

Erik reported that he had sent the report written by Fiona Fletcher to Nick. Nick has replied that he would prefer the alterations to be as low key as possible and will come up in the New Year to discuss them.

b) Report on Andrew Boyce’s Visit

Andrew Argyle gave this report. Andrew Boyce from architects Ferrey and Mennim had a useful meeting with the Nave Working Group. The main points covered –

	An opportunity for the W. G. to brief Andrew B. on the PCC resolution.
	Andrew B. undertook to recommend firms for supply of chairs, also firms to illustrate the proposals and to estimate a budget for this.
	Access for wheelchairs discussed.

Andrew pointed out to the PCC that Ferrey and Mennim are not the officially appointed architects for the scheme – at present Andrew B. is acting as a consultant. Within the next month or two it will be necessary to appoint an architect. There was some discussion about timescales, especially in the light of Nick B-H’s arrival in June and the need to discuss seating for the nave. Andrew was reluctant to put any timescale forward at the moment. Preliminary fees for the architect have been budgeted for by the PCC (i.e. Ł3000.)

Erik confirmed that the Budget should be ready for the February 2008 PCC.

c) Boundary Changes

The boundary changes discussed at the last PCC are going to a diocesan pastoral committee.

5. Correspondence

A reminder has been received from the Diocesan Secretary pointing out that there will be elections for new representatives to Deanery Synod in March. Erik pointed out that the Deanery is becoming an increasingly important body.

6. Vicar’s Remarks

Erik reported that he is encouraged by the way things are going and that we should be expecting God to do great things.

He reminded everyone that this was Nick’s last PCC at St. Barnabas – Nick has been an outstanding curate, not just in his work focussed on young people and Next but in a wide ranging parish ministry. We will miss Nick and the family but wish them all well.

7. Buildings sub-committee Report

Bob Parkin gave this report.

a) The church

	Two new electric heaters have been supplied and fitted to replace failed ones in choir vestry and narthex. Cost - Ł79.98p.
	High level gutters and the lead flashing and slates around the area joining the chancel and nave – work completed.
	Low level gutters cleaned.
	North side aisle roof – moss cleaned down.
	Report on disabled access for Nick Barr-Hamilton prepared by Fiona Fletcher.
	Choir vestry roof – letter from Ecclesiastical Insurance re use of smart water - sample received to try.
	In October the church cellar upper level sump pump failed and it has been renewed – also the less than adequate flexible rubber discharge pipe was renewed.
	The spiral staircase to the organ loft was loose and has been secured by PPS.
	Church vestry boiler has had fire clay put round base of flue to cure leakage.

(These last two jobs were Priority 1 jobs from the Quinquennial Inspection.)

b) The Hall

	Broken window in Reid Room renewed.
	Hall and narthex emergency lighting and fire alarm checks have been done. Cost - Ł368. 02 to include cost of sump pump in church cellar.
	Lock to South door into Reid Room has been renewed.

c) Houses

	64 Queens Road has had the last few remaining jobs done to enable Sarah to move in.
	All house gutters cleaned.

Total Monthly Bills Paid Oct/Nov 2007 - Ł4087.44p. (Mostly for copper roof which will be reclaimed through insurance.)

8. Proposed Budget for J. John Mission

The organisers of the J. John Mission have let it be known that it will be easier if people arrive by minibus. Erik has found that the cost of a 15 seat minibus will be cŁ55. The mission runs one night a week for 10 weeks. Erik proposed that "the PCC authorise a budget of Ł3000 for the J. John Mission in April/May 2008." This was seconded by Alun Cradock and approved unanimously.

9. Monday Morning Open House

This initiative, coordinated by Chris McGregor, is called Welcome Break and is held in the narthex from 10.00 – 12.00 on Monday morning. The idea is that people who do not normally come into the church can drop in for a welcome, a drink and a chat. Offers of help are welcome – also occasional visits by church members (but not to swamp the visitors!)

10. Employment of Part time Schools Worker

Erik is expecting a reply to his request for funding from the Archbishop’s Mission Fund and is cautiously optimistic. Any funding received will be matched from the disbursements. It would probably be Ł3000 a year for two years. Nick requested that this issue be kept on the agenda even if the A.M.F.money is not given because the school’s work is beginning to fall apart. There was discussion about where the funding might come from and also about job description and supervision issues for the worker. Erik asked for ideas and comments (preferably by e mail.)

11. Any other Notified Business

Bob Parkin pointed out that we need a faculty for the repair of the copper roof and installation of a security light. Bob Parkin proposed and Erik Wilson seconded the following proposal, "it is proposed that the PCC approve the application for a faculty to repair the choir vestry roof to current specifications and to install a new security light." This was approved unanimously by the 26 PCC members present.
The PCC was asked for approval for 15 people to attend the next Learning To Listen course at a cost of Ł225. This was proposed by Erik Wilson and seconded by Kate Morris. It was unanimously approved.
Discussion on ideas for PCC to address in the new year –

	How to be a welcoming church – role of the welcomers
	More training sessions – possibly on Sunday afternoons
	Nurture groups (Life Seekers?)
	The uniformed organisations – closer links
	Youth and young people
	Outlook – does it need an update? Personal stories?
	Process for receiving the offering
	Pattern of Services
	Publicity – possible publicity liaison officer
	How to communicate with the whole church

12. Date of Next Meeting

Monday 7^th January 2008

13. Prayer

The meeting closed with prayer and the grace.

PCC DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2008 – JAN 7, FEB 4, MAR 3.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – MAR 31 2008