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T P E T E R ’ S C H U R C H
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R E P O R T
S F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D
3 1 S T D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6
Change date
Secretary’s
Report on the Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council 2006-2007
The PCC met six times this
year and the Standing Committee met once.
The PCC is the arena at
which different aspects of church life are brought together and discussed and
where decisions are made to approve new initiatives and move them forward.
The meeting is chaired by
Martin Stephenson, and the membership of the PCC includes people elected at the
APCM to serve on the PCC and Deanery Synod plus the Church wardens and deputy
wardens who are ex officio members.
Elections to specific roles
(treasurer, secretary, vice chair, deputy wardens, membership of committees and
of those who have particular roles within the church – Stewardship Recorder,
Gift Aid Secretary, Electoral Roll Secretary, Magazine Editors, Hall Bookings)
take place at the first PCC after the APCM
Each meeting has standard
agenda items which include:
·
·
a report from the Treasurer about the church finances
·
·
a report from the church wardens about maintenance issues
·
·
a report from any committees that have met since the last PCC meeting
·
·
correspondence and notices relating to the church
The PCC makes decisions in
all these areas as necessary. It approves the church accounts at the meeting
prior to the APCM. In addition time is set aside in PCC meetings to discuss
particular matters relating to church life both at St Peter’s and within the
cluster and diocese.
The PCC must congratulate
Martin and Kay on their wedding last July. The PCC noted that Kay is a warden,
and had found no conflict of interest.
Susan Burfoot resigned as
parish administrator, and Chris Dunbar was appointed to replace her.
The PCC approved the
Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association for a limited company to
oversee the Youth Worker for Hall Green. Directors were appointed.
On the recommendation of
the Maintenance Committee, the PCC appointed a contractor to replace the
heating system in church. The work is now virtually complete. To defray the
considerable cost, the PCC requested a donation from the Friends of St Peter’s,
and they responded with a generous sum.
The PCC must thank the
maintenance team for all their hard work, covering all the fabric of the church
and hall and the surrounding grounds. They also deal with the house at 4 Etwall
Road, where considerable work was necessitated by the start of a tenancy.
Andrew Hawker, our director
of music, informed us that a considerable amount of work was required on the
organ, both immediately and in the longer term. The immediate work, approved by
the PCC, has been carried out and fund raising is in progress for the later
stages.
The Paradise Centre
Committee reported to each meeting of the PCC. The completion of the Annexe was
marked by the official opening last June. Plans were reviewed by the PCC for
the next phase of work (the rebuilding of the toilet and entrance are, and of
the kitchen and boiler room). The PCC approved the work on the toilets and
entrance, and this should be completed this year.
The planning application
for the replacement of two bungalows and a house adjoining the church was
discussed and objections were put forward which contributed to the Council’s
refusal of planning permission.
The PCC had received
correspondence suggesting that St Peter’s should extend the scope of its
community work. This was taken up at the Away Day in March. The PCC reviewed
suggestions made at the Away Day and a leaflet has been prepared with concrete
proposals.
Our treasurer informed us
that the bank was proposing to levy charges on our accounts which would cost us
a fair sum. The PCC gave the treasurer the go-ahead to switch to an alternative
bank and this was done. The PCC as usual examined and accepted the accounts for
2006. We must thank Chris Dunbar for her long and faithful service as
treasurer.
The PCC must thank
organisers and helpers for several events, including the Patronal Festival,
Harvest Supper, Christmas Fair, Jumble Sales and Away Day.
The PCC Secretary and the
Parish Administrator assembled the extensive documentation for today’s meeting.
I’m sure that many of the
PCC members are not burning with enthusiasm when they face another long agenda
but I do believe that things are achieved through the meetings and good
initiatives do move forward. This is largely due to those who do the hard work
before and after PCC meetings by serving so faithfully on the various church
committees. Their contribution to church life is often hidden. Our thanks are
due to all those who serve in this way
Frank
Doherty
Hon
Secretary to PCC
REPORTS
FROM
THE
ORGANISATIONS
CONTENTS
Amicus
Bible
Society Action Group
Book
Stall
Boys’
Brigade
Boys’
& Girls’ Brigade Companies Band
80th
Birmingham Girls Brigade
Brookmeadow
Court
Choir
and Junior Choir
Churches
Together in Hall Green
Creche
Day
Centre
Deanery
Synod
Friends
of St Peter’s
Girl
Guides
Guild
of St Raphael
Injoy
Junior
Church
Maintenance
Team Report
Millenium
Volunteers
Missions
to Seafarers
Mothers’
Union
Paradise
Centre Committee
Scouts
Tots
and Co
Traidcraft
Visiting
Group
Wednesday
Ladies
Women’s
Fellowship
St Peter’s AMICUS Group.
We are a non-uniformed mixed section of The 80th
Birmingham Boys Brigade Company and linked to the 80th Birmingham
Girls Brigade.
We see each of these definitions as important. We
are non-uniformed and informal, with a balance between male and female which
gives the group great strength.
AMICUS also gains a great deal from the
self-discipline of the Boys and Girls Brigades, although many of it’s current
membership of over 30 have joined us directly with no previous link with the BB/GB.
We also see ourselves as very much a part of St
Peter’s youth with a strong Christian base. The AMICUS worship band leads the
evening service on the third Sunday of every month (want to support us come
along to Praise 3 it’s not only for young people) , there are also regular
slots where we look at our faith especially on our breaks away from home.
We were pleased to lead worship at the deanery
youth training.
Our Monday nights are very varied but are all aimed
at fun and promoting Christian self-confidence and team working.
Our outdoor pursuits
include
1)
The City of Birmingham Youth Night Operation
held at Sutton Park.
2)
We sent three (three person) teams to the
Cleveland weekend hike with all teams doing well.
3)
Our Christmas trip was popular with 23 attending We went to a field centre near Buxton
4)
Almost all of the group attended the Brigade
Camp in Dyffryn Ardudwy and were involved in its leadership.
5)
Firm Foundations has become a regular event
for us. This Christian event of four days in May has become a big part of our
year, a real spiritual uplift.
The big task this year has been raising money for
the Kayoyo Orphanage Project in Malawi.
This has involved coconut shies, auction, bringing a total so far of
£5.400 raised
A big thank you to our Vicar and church
members who have encouraged us throughout the year.
Brian Greaney AMICUS
Leader.
BIBLE SOCIETY – HALL GREEN
ACTION GROUP (part of Churches Together in Hall Green)
The
Group was very pleased to welcome Yvonne Whitmore as Chairman in January 2006.
A
coffee morning with a St Patrick’s tide theme was held at Trinity URC in March,
and proved very successful, thanks especially to the Irish dancers who provided
the entertainment. It was good to see so many from St Peter’s.
The
summer event with cream tea took place at the Baptist Church; the speaker was
Margaret Knill MBE, who spent many years training teachers of the blind in
Afghanistan and recently revisited that troubled country. Her account of life
there, with slides, did much to flesh out what we hear on the news – we learned
that Afghan Christians are not allowed even to own a Bible. Following
Margaret’s talk, beautiful examples of Afghan embroidery were on sale.
A
second coffee morning, at the Church of the Ascension, took as its theme
Harvest. Two young singers from St Mary’s Moseley entertained the coffee
drinkers and again the morning was enjoyable and a financial success.
During
the Society’s financial year, April 2006 – March 2007, over £1700 was sent in
through the Action Group, made up of donations from the churches, the Bible
Sunday collection, fundraising events and private donations.
Bookstall
The Bookstall
has changed hands recently, coming under 'new management'
from December 2006. Approximately, once a month around a dozen books (on a
sale or return basis via SPCK) will be available for purchase. The response
so far has been encouraging, particularly when books have been chosen around
a season, such as Advent and Lent. We do try to choose books for a wide
audience but would love to hear suggestions and recommendations. So - if
there is a book you've been looking for, please let us know, and if there's
one that you think others would enjoy, either tell us or write a short
review in the book provided on the table.
The stock of cards and prayer cards (which were a big seller for Barbara
Priest so she says!) will be renewed soon, so look out for those.
Thank you for your support and keep reading!
Helen Glithero and Kay Stephenson
The Boys'
Brigade 80th Birmingham Company -
Report to St.Peter's AGM 2006.
During
2006 we made more use of the Paradise Centre on a Thursday, the new facilities
are really wonderful, thank you to all involved. It has been good to welcome
two more Leaders, Mrs. Alison Rudd and Mr. Andy Brumwell. Thank you to Mr. Richard Greaney for a
lifetime of service as he moved away from Birmingham. Richard has remained a Company Officer and still takes an active
role in many events. Thank you to Martin, Jo and Mrs. Kath Hawker, who along
with the rest of the Company Staff, help lead our weekly worship services.
All
the members are encouraged to come along to Praise 3 led by the Amicus Group
once a month. Praise 3 plays an
important part in our activities. For
the first time we have recruited new members from Billesley. We have this opportunity as
part our link with the 60th Birmingham at Holy Cross Church. Thank
you to all the Officers, Leaders, NCOs, 74th Birmingham at St.Michael’s
and The Girls’ Brigade for a good year.
Anchor Boys (5 to 7 years) meet on a
Monday for fun, games and craft. Stories from a Children’s Bible with a prayer
have been enjoyed by all. The numbers
are lower than we would like, but all the Boys really enjoy their time.
Junior
Section (8
to 10 years) meet on a Thursday. With
worship, inspection, games, achievements and craft. The juniors took part in
Battalion and Divisional Competitions including winning the Battalion Craft
challenge for the second time. There
were two weekends away; June an overnight camp at Blackwell; October at the
Peck Wood Centre near Alvechurch. Other
events Cole Valley walk, visits to Blakesley Hall and Acocks Green
Environmental Centre
(Company Section 11 years +) Meet on a Thursday. With worship,
inspection, drill, PE, games and badge work. The spring weekend was in
Staffordshire. The Company Section has
taken part in many Battalion and Divisional Competitions. The
Seniors (14+) meeting at 9.30 p.m. is as successful with most staying until
10.30 p.m. Enjoying a range of activities. The Seniors are also members of
St.Peter’s Amicus group and NCO’s leading many Company activities. Most Boys aged 11 to 14 are part St.Peter’s Injoy
Group (thank you to Mr. Peter Weir for leading the Injoy Group).
Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Brigade Annual Camp was held in North Wales during July, the usual great week was
had, most of the Camp reached the top of Snowdon. Charity work; Christmas Post for Save the
Children, events for; Acorn Children's Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Relief and the BB Motorcycle Mission appeal.
We
welcomed Rev Richard Wharton Chaplain 74th Birmingham Company as our
Inspecting Officer for the Annual Inspection Evening in May. A number of
Officers represented the Company at Mr. Ken Brown’s funeral. Mr. Brown was an honorary Officer of the 80th
being a former Captain of the 60th Birmingham when it was at
St.Christopher’s Springfield, we will miss Ken greatly, for his support and
wise advice, a true Christian Gentleman.
Ian Crockford
Company
Captain
St.Peter’s
Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade Trumpet & Drum Band 2006
During
2006 St.Peter's Band took part in three Brigade Band Contests:
Birmingham Battalion , West Midlands District - and the Brigades
National Band Championships . 2007 will see a all-new performance
based on
the James Bond Movie theme tunes.
The St.Peter's Brigade Band is open to all members of both Companies
in their final year in Junior Section and above. This year we have been
pleased to welcome two Boys from the 74th Birmingham at St.Michael's. Band rehearsal time is for an hour in the
Church Hall on a Monday night 7.00 - 8.00 p.m. In September we
launched a Mini Band for our youngest members,
which has proved successful.
As well as Band contests we led the Knowle Royal British Legion
Remembrance Day Parade and a Parade in Weoley Castle.
Thanks should also go to all the Brigade Officers who have helped over
the year. Thank you to all of the bandleaders, parents who support
and members for their hard work and dedication over the year.
Amicus Worship Band
The Amicus
Worship Band plans and leads the worship at the monthly Praise 3
Service at 6.00 p.m. on the third Sunday. Praise 3 is held in the Church
Hall which gives the whole act of worship a rather special feel. Thank you to
all who come along to Praise 3. Everyone is very welcome. Praise 3 is not
just a youth Service but is for all. Other events were leading the Music at
St.Michael's for the cluster confirmation service in February and again at
St.Michael's planning and leading the Millennium Volunteers presentation
Service in March.
The Worship Band is open to all members of Amicus plus Boys' Brigade and Girls'
Brigade. St.Peter's Amicus Group is fortunate to have so many young people who
are willing to take part. Not all up front, but valuable help is given by those
who arrange the hall and work on the technical side.
80th Birmingham Girls Brigade
The 80th has
had a very successful year, increasing its membership in all sections.
We
have taken part in many activities alongside the Boys Brigade
·
Annual Camp in Dyffryn Ardudwy
·
Drayton
Manor trip
·
Enrolment service
We held our annual Award’s
evening in July, which was well attended with family and friends of the girls,
who were keen to see the different activities they get up to on a Tuesday
night.
Some of the Brigaders
have been involved with the Kayoyo Orphanage project in Malawi.
We have had a very
successful day out at Cannon Hill Park with the Explorers and Juniors.
I invite anyone who would
be interested in helping, particularly in our older sections, to contact me
Mary
Greaney - 80th Birmingham Girls Brigade Company Captain.
Brookmeadow
Court 2006-7
Brookmeadow
Court, in Paradise Lane, is mixture of flats and maisonettes for the elderly,
under the management of the Anchor Housing Association. It continues to be a
place where friendships are made and mutual support is given. The excellent staff, led by Kim and Sue,
gives a high level of caring support to residents. It is not the policy of
Anchor, nowadays, to have staff resident on site for 24 hours a day, and this
has meant some adjustments for those who live there.
Our
monthly communion service is greatly appreciated. As usual Bob Thomas joins us
to play for the hymns, and we are very grateful to him for that. In addition, it has been good to welcome
Adrienne Dodd, who comes regularly to support Jessie Carter whom she visits.
We
held our usual Christmas Carol Service too, and were ably and enthusiastically
supported by young musicians and readers of lessons.
Many
thanks to all who have supported this ministry over the past year.
Martin
Stephenson.
Choir and
Youth Choir
For
light relief during one choir practice, we sang through a spoof hymn,
downloaded from the Internet. It
described a choir whose singers:
“… At service
on Sunday are rarely the same
As those who on
Thursday to choir practice came”.
This
sums up one of the practical problems facing any choir, particularly when its
members have a great many commitments
to work, family and other activities in the church. In fact, we have had good attendance at practices throughout the
year, and I am most grateful to all the choir members for the commitment they
have shown.
Besides
the regular singing of anthems and parts of the liturgy each Sunday, we have
had one or two high spots. One was
definitely The Wedding in July. For
this we had more than 30 people in the choir, all making a splendid sound. Even better, three singers were persuaded to
sign on as permanent members and we were delighted to welcome Josie, Angie and
Peter on board.
We
also had en excellent instrumental group for the Christmas Carol Service, where
it was good to welcome back players who are normally away at university, and to
include our youngest new player for a while – Henry Birch on trombone. We had to move into the Hall for Advent
Carols, but this actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the
acoustics are in some ways much better for more contemplative music.
The
raising of money for organ repairs is making steady progress, and was much
boosted by the proceeds from the brass band concert in December.
I
am once again much indebted to Helen Brookes, who has produced music of high
quality with the younger singers, and acted as accompanist on many
occasions. I have also been very
dependent on the help of Joss Brookes, and Phil, Mark and Emma Glithero,
particularly during the months when Kath and I were moving house, a process
which seemed to go on for ever.
During
the year we said farewell to John and Jo Marsden, who were mainstays of the
choir for some years, and to Richard Priest, who sang occasional solos and was
always very supportive of the music at St Peter’s.
As
ever, I will conclude by mentioning that we will always be glad to see new
members of the choir, especially among the tenors and basses.
Andrew Hawker.
Churches
Together in Hall Green 2006-7
During
the last 12 months two guest speakers have been welcomed to Churches Together
meetings.
In
spring 2006, Audrey Miller from Jubilee 2000 updated the group about recent
efforts to increase awareness of third world debt. She spoke about the ‘Make
Poverty History’ campaign and the ‘Moral Justice’ Movement. People should think how they could
creatively take the Jubilee 2000 campaign further forward. Local Jubilee Debt
Campaign groups would welcome more members and had various resources available.
Even if progress at times seemed slow, future generations should see the
fruition of the debt cancellation campaign. Current thoughts included a focus
on dictator debt and the possibility of challenging some debt through the legal
system.
At
the Churches Together AGM in January 2007, David King, Churches Liaison
Co-ordinator for Christian Aid reflected on the legacy of the abolition of the
Slave Trade Act, linking his presentation to what Christian Aid is doing in the
world today. He spoke of the many people who fought against the slave trade,
and how it took Wilberforce 18 years to get his bill passed, although slavery
itself was not abolished until a further 30 years later. Even though freedom
was ultimately given, ex-slaves were left very disadvantaged, and forms of
racism and inequality continue even today as a result of the slave trade. As
the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade act, 2007
in particular should be a year to increase the awareness of, and stand up
against injustice. Our current Lent Course is using the Churches Together in
England material prepared to help Christians reflect on the slave trade and its
abolition.
Churches
Together has continued to encourage churches to support the work of
‘Restore’. Individuals have been
involved in collecting toiletries, and dried and tinned foods for distribution
to destitute asylum seekers, and it has been suggested that people consider
taking on the role of befrienders.
An
open air service at the Newey Goodman Sports Ground on Pentecost Sunday was
enthusiastically supported, and will be repeated in June of this year. Around
150 people enjoyed the lively open air worship, music and fellowship.
The
Churches Together Covenant renewal has been delayed a year, and will now take
place in 2008, making the next few months an opportunity to review how the
churches have benefited from and lived up to the words of the Covenant, and to
look forward to further growth over the next five years.
It
has been hoped to develop a Churches Together web site for Hall Green, but a
volunteer is still required to set up the site and keep it up-to-date.
Regular
activities have again included United Services, pulpit and mini congregation
exchanges, the Good Friday Procession of Witness, and Christmas Carols outside
Somerfield. The work of the credit union continues in South Birmingham, and it
is hoped that a grant will be made available to explain and promote the union.
Activities
of the Hall Green Bible Society Action Group should be covered in a separate
report.
David
Andrews
DAY CENTRE REPORT - JANUARY TO DECEMBER
2006
Between 10.00am and 2.30pm each Wednesday, sounds
of chatter and laughter can be heard from the lounge and kitchen - St Peter's Day
Centre is in residence.
Membership remains steady at 15 but due to the
"retirement" of some helpers over the year, a few stalwarts are
giving extra time to maintain the five-weekly rota of cooking teams and
hostesses. New helpers are needed to join us for what is a satisfying and
enjoyable way of spending a few hours once every five weeks.
In May we received a visit from the Social Services
Development Officer looking at local organisations. She was very favourably
impressed with what we endeavour to offer our members each week.
In addition to the pleasurable occupations of
eating, drinking (and not only tea and coffee!), and sharing news with friends,
quizzes, talks and bingo remain popular. We had two further visits from
"Dave's Fashions" bringing good selections of summer and autumn
clothing which enabled the ladies to re-stock their wardrobes!
Outings were arranged in April and November to
Tidbury Green Golf Club which is now a firm favourite with the Day Centre.
Grateful thanks go to Brenda Nightingale who feels it is now time to step down
as Outings Organiser. Over the years she and John, her husband, carried out
valiant research to find venues suitable for us, and most importantly checking
that the food came up to our expectations!
The Vicar and Curate continue to provide much
support and bring Holy Communion on a monthly basis.
2006 ended with an excellent Christmas Lunch being
served to members and guests. Many thanks go to Josie Crane, ably supported by
husband John, for gathering together such a wonderful team of cooks and
servers, and also to Betty Christmas our resident story teller, Andrew Hawker
for providing the music for the Carols and Roger Hill our jovial Father
Christmas for their part in making it a very happy occasion.
Many thanks to the teams of cooks and hostesses,
without whom there would be no Day Centre, and to Joyce Green and Roger Hill
for ensuring a smooth start to each Wednesday, with tables out and kettles
boiling!
Jill Bramwell
Shirley
Deanery Synod – May 2006-February 2007
The Synod met in May and October of last year, and
February of this year.
At
the first meeting, members were asked for suggestions for suitable topics for discussion,
and two subjects most suggested were “Ministry with People at Work”, and
Ministry with the Elderly.
The
October meeting included a visit from a representative of Christian Aid, who
asked members of Synod to encourage their congregations to purchase “virtual
gifts”; that is, to donate money to help purchase livestock for farming in poor
countries.
The
subject of Church, Worship and Work was opened by three speakers relating their
own experiences of being a Christian in the workplace before general discussion
by Synod.
The
February meeting this year was told that financial support for a Youth Worker
in Hall Green had been attracted, and it was hoped that a candidate would be
appointed by June 2007.
The
second topic chosen for discussion by members of Synod – Ministry with Older
People – was opened by Revd James Woodward from Temple Balsall, and a Synod
member from St Philips, Dorridge, spoke of her work in the pastoral team of her
church. We were challenged regarding the extent to which we included or
excluded older people in our worship and activities, and how their particular
needs fitted in with our church mission and ministry
At
each meeting, the host Church gave a brief outline of their varied activities
and their aims and aspirations for the future.
Colin Dunbar
March
2007
Friends of St Peter’s Report for 2006/7
The Friends have had a successful year of
fundraising this past year from a variety of activities. We have 115 members at
present and are always keen to welcome new members, particularly as numbers
have dropped over the year.
The coach trip to Chester in May was enjoyed by all
who went. The weather was good and
there was plenty to see and do. We
stopped off at Bridgemere Gardens on the way for members to extend their plant
collections. Unfortunately this trip was not well supported, following the
trend of the past few years, and so we are rethinking the May event in the
coming year.
The Late Summer Barbecue at the vicarage in
September was a great success and was attended by people of all ages, making it
a true family occasion. Both the company and the food and drink were good and
we are very grateful to Martin and Kay for making us so welcome.
The 50/50 Club is a major source of income and
membership remains steady. Thanks must
go to Dai Scard and Jean Downs for running the 50/50 club so efficiently and
successfully. New members are very welcome to join the club at any time of
year.
The Friends also ran the Grand Christmas Draw,
which was drawn at the Christmas Fair, helping to ensure a good total for this
Church fund raising event. Many people
provided prizes and contributions for the hampers and we are very grateful for
their generosity.
Our latest outing was a very successful trip to the
pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, at The Grand Theatre in
Wolverhampton in January. It was a real
family outing with plenty of fun and laughter for young and old alike.
During the past year, the Friends are pleased to
have been able to contribute £10,000 to the cost of improvements to the church
heating system, making us all a little warmer on Sundays.
I would like to thank all the officers and members
of the committee who have helped to make this a successful year. Many thanks go to all those who have
supported our fund raising events over the past year. We look forward to a
successful year ahead with your continued support.
Jackie Price
Chairperson
Girl Guides
The main event on the
calendar for the past year was a trip to Switzerland. A small group from St
Peters headed off to Interlaken with a bigger party from all over the
Birmingham County. The total number of Guides, Guiders, etc reached over 300.
The trip was very entertaining which started with the coaches being escorted to
the French/German border by French Police (don’t ask).
Finally arriving at our
destination we had a wonderful time visiting Our Chalet (a Guiding World Centre)
and Kandersteg (International Scout Centre), trying to get as high up a
mountain as we could for not a lot of money. Unfortunately, the Jungfrau was a
bit expensive but we did get high enough to have snow falling in July.
To anyone thinking of
visiting Switzerland in the summer make sure that you are there for National
Swiss Day as this was very enjoyable with street parades, entertainment and
fireworks.
This was a fantastic
trip and I’m sure it will have a lasting impact on the guides.
The rest of the year has
been taken up with the company attaining their Science badges. For this badge
they had to perform some experiments, research local scientists and also to
watch a “Chemical Magic” show.
To end the year, our
numbers are remaining steady and Katherine has finished her Masters at
university and so back with us every Friday. She is now in the process of
obtaining her Leadership qualification.
GUILD OF ST
RAPHAEL
Month
by month, usually on the first Tuesday, the members of the Guild of
St. Raphael meet in the Lady Chapel at 7,00 p.m. to sing hymns, pray
together, hear a bible reading and a short address by whoever is leading the
session, usually the Vicar or Curate. We all check our prayer
lists,
adding or deleting names as required and hearing by word of mouth the latest
reports on the progress of the people for whom we are praying.
Sometimes we are delighted and heartened by good news; sometimes we
are
saddened when we have to delete names due to death. Whichever way
it is,
we are confident that the daily prayers we offer are well worthwhile and we
give thanks for recoveries and pray even harder when the news is not so
good. We are often thanked for the prayers and told how much they
are
valued which spurs us on to even greater efforts,
Towards the end of the Service, anyone wishing to do so may receive the
Laying on of Hands, a sacrament we all value and need since there are none,
even apparently healthy folks, who would not be the better for receiving
this benediction.
Our membership stays steady year by year but we are always pleased to
welcome anyone new - this could be you.
Pat
Rickard
Injoy.
This
has been a crucial year for Injoy and, thankfully, a successful one. One key
aim of the group is to act as preparation for Amicus. Members of Injoy are in
the first three years of secondary school. The very first members of Injoy, who
had developed into a superb group, moved on in the summer to Amicus, and
recruitment began for a totally new group. This was successfully done. The new
group, when all are present, is 10 people, and there are usually at least 7/8
young people in attendance. There is presently only one girl, which is
something we would like to rectify. Given the way the group runs presently, we
do not see numbers exceeding 12, although obviously we will not turn people
away! We also need to develop numbers in each of the school years which the
group caters for. The group at present are all in the first year of secondary
school.
The
new group has made excellent progress. Unlike the previous group, only 2 (who
are brothers) of the members of Injoy attend Sunday worship at St Peter’s; the
majority do not attend it regularly at any church. This has meant that we have
done some work focussing on the ‘basics’ of Christian beliefs. Like the
previous group, the questions raised and the discussions held are a very
positive feature of our fortnightly sessions. The sessions include many games
of various types, and there is a focus on group and team skills. The young people
seem to enjoy the sessions very much.
I
would again like to take this opportunity to publicly recognise and appreciate
the skill and dedication of Ian Crockford and the wonderful service he gives
the Church and its young people.
Pete Weir.
Junior Church
Report 2006-7
We
have had a busy year with a lot of changes in team leaders and ways of teaching
Gods Word.
Kay
Stephenson stepped down from Junior Church and John Marsden took over the role of
overseeing the Junior Church Leaders. Then John and Jo Marsden left St. Peters
to pursue their own spiritual growth at St. Johns Church. So I, Sylvia
Summerfield, stepped in to cover with the help of Jo Johnson. We aim to have
Junior Church running smoothly and spiritually so all the children and young
adults reach their full potential within the church. Kay Stephenson rejoined
our teams encouraging Alison Sherwood to join us too.
Our
older junior church youths have moved
up to Senior Church Group and Jo Weir sets them work to follow, which they are
enjoying and they are spending more time within the services each week which is
good to see.
They
attended Reunited last year with John& Jo Marsden, Martina Pitt and I. They gained a lot from mixing with other
Christian youths from around Birmingham. These events were funded by people
from the congregation and church which allowed them to have pizza and socialise
with their peers before going into St. Mary’s for the reunited sessions which
included Christian music and talks. This will hopefully be followed up in the
near future.
Worshiping
God is our aim, our objectives are to teach this in a happy and fun way the
children and young adults to learn.
We
are now two thriving teams and the third team requires more leaders, so we are
asking people in the congregation to join us to support that team.
Three
of us are completing the Bishops Certificate we are enjoying the course and
learning about Child Protection, Health and Safety Issues within our Church buildings
and also about new resources and activities we can use to deliver the bible to
our audience.
We
now have new storage cupboards to store the new teaching resources and this has
improved the organisation of materials to allow the children to become more
self-sufficient during activities with improved visibility and access to the
many items within.
|
Team A |
Team B |
Team C |
|
February
& May 2007 |
March
& June 2007 |
January
& April 2007 |
|
Patrick
Holloway Sylvia
Summerfield Sue
Pate Julie
Cox |
Shirley
Boyce |