S T P E T E R ’ S C H U R C
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R E P O R T S
A N D A C C O U N 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 5
ST PETER’S CHURCH, HALL GREEN
ANNUAL
PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
WEDNESDAY
26 APRIL 2006
8
p.m.
AGENDA
8.00 pm 1. PRAYERS
2. APOLOGIES
3. MINUTES OF THE
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING HELD ON 17 APRIL 2005.
4. PRESENTATION OF
THE ELECTORAL ROLL
8.10 pm 5. ELECTIONS:
a. Churchwardens - see note below
b. Parochial Church
Council - see note below
c. Deanery Synod - see note
below
d. Sidesmen and women
8.15 pm 6. CHURCHWARDENS’
REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND
ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
7. SECRETARY’S
REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
8. TREASURER’S
REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS, FINANCIAL POSITION AND INSURANCES OF THE CHURCH
9. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
10. PARADISE
CENTRE COMPANY ACCOUNTS
8.45 pm Break for
refreshments
9.00
pm 11. REPORTS OF ST PETER’S ORGANISATIONS AND GROUPS
12. VICAR’S REPORT
13. ANNOUNCEMENT
OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW PCC.
9.15
pm 14. THE GRACE
Frank Doherty
Hon. Sec. PCC.
ELECTIONS
Churchwardens: any person
resident in the Parish and on the register of local government electors OR any
person on the Church Electoral Roll may vote.
PCC Members and Deanery
Synod Representatives: only those on the Church Electoral Roll may vote.
ST
PETER’S CHURCH, HALL GREEN
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL
CHURCH MEETING
HELD
ON SUNDAY APRIL 17TH 2005
The
meeting opened with a prayer.
Attendance:
There were 38 people present. The
meeting was chaired by Revd Martin Stephenson.
Apologies
were received from Ken Brown, Jill Bramwell, Jenny Coles, Stella Davies, John
and Josie Crane, Julia Tortise, Alex and Freda Parker, Pat Rickard, Sylvia Fry,
Nigel and Katharine Harris, Jo and Pete Weir, Jenny and Peter Jupe, Val Cecil,
Noel and Dai Scard, Mabel Fardon, Linda Hill, Betty Christmas.
Minutes of the APCM held on
April 21st 2004
These were signed as a true record of the meeting.
Presentation of the new
Electoral Roll
The new electoral roll
was presented by Christine Edgworth.
There are 193 names on
the new roll. The new roll was
unanimously accepted.
(Prop C.Edgworth, Sec
C.James)
Elections
Churchwardens
David Scard and Phyllis Benedikz were the only
nominations for Church Warden. Dai Scard, proposed by C A Dunbar and seconded
by J C Tortise; Phyllis Benedikz, proposed by J C Tortise and seconded by C A
Dunbar, and unanimously elected to
serve for another year.
Parochial Church Council
Conrad James, Josie and
John Crane, Margaret Folland, Jo Weir, Barbara Skipworth and Lilian Weaver were
nominated and seconded to serve on the PCC. They were elected by a unanimous
vote.
Deanery Synod
M. Stephenson explained that Deanery Synod is the
area of Church government which is concerned with the local area. Colin Dunbar
and David Andrews had been proposed and seconded to serve on Deanery Synod and
were elected for the period 2005-2008 by a unanimous vote.
Sidespeople
Phyll Benedikz proposed that the 36 people whose names were on the list which was been
displayed on the notice board in the narthex prior to the meeting, be elected as sidespeople. This was seconded by Adrienne Dodd and
unanimously agreed.
Churchwardens’ Report
This was presented by Phyll Benedikz . The work
done to maintain the church buildings and grounds during the year is covered in
the printed report form Dai Scard on the activities of the Maintenance
Committee. Phyll passed on thanks to
them for all the time and energy they give to what are often unattractive jobs.
Phyll reported that a new sound system has been
installed in the church. Despite some teething problems this has generally
resulted in improved sound quality. The mechanism of the grand piano has been
restored and the case is now being repaired and re-polished.
52 folding chairs on a mobile storage rack have
been purchased for the hall.
Phyll thanked Martin for leading the church through
another year with the help of Michael Dodd and the readers and she looked
forward to many more things happening at St Peter’s over the next year.
Martin thanked her for the work of the wardens and
for her report.
Secretary’s Report on the Proceedings of the
Parochial Church Council.
This was available prior to the meeting in the
Annual Report and was therefore not read out.
There were no questions.
Martin thanked Helen for her report.
Treasurer’s Report on the Accounts, Financial Position and Insurances of the
Church..
This was presented by Chris Dunbar
q At
the end of 2004, there was a surplus on the General Church Account of
£8,480.00.
q Reduced
expenditure in 2004 contributed towards this surplus. However in 2005 the
surplus is already accounted for by the increase in the Common Fund and the
salary for the Parish Administrator.
Income
q Stewardship
increased by £2,831.00 – 4.38% last year – not as good as 2003, but
nevertheless an increase
q Cash
collections rose by £261.00 which is 6.32%.
q The
total raised at Special Events fell in 2004 by £527.
q In
2004 the magazine made a small surplus of £29, whilst the net income from the
bookstall showed a £50 decrease over the year.
q Miscellaneous
income during 2004 was lower, due largely to a substantial amount of the
proceeds from the sale of coffee on a Sunday morning being donated to various
charities.
q PCC
fees were £511 less than the previous year, whilst special events for charity
raised an extra £733 in 2004.
Expenditure
q Ministry
costs were lower in 2004 by £922.
q There
was far less work done in 2004 on the Curate’s house at 4 Etwall Road in 2004,
and the increase in expenditure on the vicarage is due to £300 being paid into
the Diocesan Decorating Scheme.
q Expenditure
on the Church and Services was lower last year by £1,168.00.
q The
decrease in ordinary expenditure of £828.00 was helped by the generous
donations received towards the cost of the Insight Course – a total of £763.00
was received towards the cost of the course.
q The
biggest decrease, and probably the most surprising, was the very low deficit on
the Church Hall – only £440 – a saving on 2003 of £2043. This was due to two
things – there was no major repairs carried out in 2004, and more income was
received.
q The
Common Fund was our largest single expense - £45,915.00 – and in 2005 we are
being asked to pay £47,977.00 – an increase of £2,062.00 or 4.26%.
q Charitable
giving by the PCC increased by £903 in 2004, with the usual 10% of planned and
cash giving and monies raised at Special Events making up the total giving. The
notable exclusion from the list of the usual charities is the Northern Ireland
Youth Project, which has now ceased.
q The
Funds are more or less self-explanatory, the one exception being the Piano
Restoration Fund. Last year £1200.00
for the final part of the restoration was returned to us because the restorer
could not do the work. This was therefore paid back into the fund until such
time that it was needed.
q The
Paradise Centre Fund continues to grow thanks to the regular pledges and during
2004 we had a very generous legacy of £10,000.00 given for the fund.
q Gift
Aid on pledges amounted to £4,445.00.
q All
contents and buildings including 4 Etwall Road are fully and properly insured.
Forecast for 2005
q This
is based on the level of giving to the church remaining the same, special
events raising about the same amount and the Common Fund and normal running
expenses being paid in full. If this is the case, taking into account the
proposed increase in heating and lighting costs, and the salary for the Parish
Administrator, the deficit at the end of 2005 could be somewhere in the region
of £3,500. However, Chris got it wrong last year so hopes she is wrong again.
Chris expressed her thanks to her band of helpers
who count money at events – David Andrews, John Crane, Dennis Witcamb and David
Harris. She gave particular thanks to Roger for both counting and banking money
and to the vicar for picking up the floats. Lastly, but not least, she thanked
Colin for loaning his new computer and for his continued and constant support.
Questions
were invited
Michael Dodd queried what the Insight Course had
cost, Chris informed him that in excess of £1500 was spent but that £700 had
been received in donations for the course.
She explained that the extraordinary expenditure
was the purchase of a computer for the parish office.
Chris proposed acceptance of the accounts. This was
seconded by Phyll Benedikz. The accounts were accepted by a unanimous vote,
Martin thanked Chris for all her hard work as
Treasurer.
Appointment of Auditor
By a unanimous vote, Thomas and Young of Stratford Rd Shirley
were appointed as auditors for the following year. (Prop Chris Dunbar, Sec.
J.Downs).
Paradise Centre Company
Accounts
This are printed in the annual report of
organisations and were available before the meeting.
Eric Northwood queried what the expenditure on
electrical equipment was. The vicar informed him that this was purchased under
the provision of the grant given for Awards for All. The equipment is now held
by Sylvia Fry. Eric requested further clarification about what will happen to
the equipment.
Roger Hill asked how much the architect’s fees for
the project are. The vicar informed him that fees owing are likely to be in the
region of £5000.
Acceptance of the accounts was proposed by Patrick
Holloway and seconded by Conrad James. They were accepted on a vote of 28 in
favour, 1 against and 8 abstentions.
There was then a discussion about how the accounts
should be presented. It was clarified
that the accounts had already been presented and approved at the AGM of the
Paradise Centre Company Limited by Guarantee and therefore presentation to the
APCM was a matter of courtesy and should not appear as a main agenda item. In
future the accounts will not appear as a separate agenda item in the APCM
agenda.
Reports of St
Peter’s Organisations and Groups
The vicar noted that the
reports which were available before the meeting were comprehensive and showed a
wonderful diversity of activities connected to the church. He noted that the
work of the day centre was recognised last July when Lilian Weaver accepted a
Citizen’s Award on its behalf.
Vicar’s Report
Martin reflected that he
has now served at St Peter’s as parish priest for 7 years and made suggestions
about the way he feels St Peter’s might be going as a church ‘alive to the
Kingdom of God in our midst’. He noted
the valued ministry of Catherine who left in September and looked forward to Jo
Johnson who will be joining the church as curate in July.
He talked of the success
of the Insight course and hoped it will form a foundation for future
explorations of faith and deepening of fellowship and understanding of what it
means to be a Christian today.
He noted the particular
strength of young people’s groups at St Peter’s and welcomed the PCC’s approval
to consult with the congregation about the policy to admit Baptised People to
Holy Communion.
He spoke of how the
churches together in Hall Green are seeking to work together and affirmed the
appointment of Susan Burfoot as Parish Administrator as a way of improving
communication and mission.
He reflected on the hopes
and disappointments that have characterised the work towards building the Paradise Centre and the sense of
disappointment at realising that the whole project as originally planned will
not be achieved. However he suggested that we can learn from this and that we
might now be freed to seek to do the will of God who not only loves us but
likes us so much that he wants us to share in his great work of creation.
Martin thanked everyone
who has contributed to the life of St Peter’s over the past year. He
specifically expressed thanks to the wardens and deputy wardens and the PCC
treasurer and secretary. He emphasised that everyone who gives their time
energy and commitment is enormously valued.
There were no questions
but Michael Dodd noted that there was a
poor attendance from St Peter’s at events organised by CTHG especially the
confirmation service. He requested that PCC members both showed a personal commitment
to CTHG but also worked to promote support for CTHG events within the
congregation.
Date of the
first PCC meeting.
This was arranged for
Tuesday 10th May at 7.45pm
in the Choir Vestry.
The meeting closed with
the Grace.
Secretary’s
Report on the Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council 2005-2006
The PCC met six times
this year and the Standing Committee met twice.
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.
Jo Johnson was
welcomed onto the PCC subsequent to her appointment as curate.
Caroline George wrote
to the PCC expressing gratitude for St Peter’s support and describing her
excitement at developments in her training for ordination at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham. She and
William are already very committed to being a part of the church at St George’s,
Newtown. She has been offered and has accepted a curate’s training post at St
George’s, following her ordination in July. The PCC expressed their
congratulations to her on this appointment.
Some progress has
been made regarding the plan for the appointment of a youth worker in Hall
Green. St Peter’s will have to make a contribution towards the cost of this
post, which will be an Anglican appointment with some support from other
denominations.
The PCC discussed
matters which are the concern of the Maintenance Team: the new sound system in
church required additional work; the quinquennial (i.e. five-yearly) survey of
the fabric of the church took place in November, and the report from it was
generally satisfactory; work is required on 4 Etwall Road, so that part of the
house can be let, while the curate uses the other part.
Progress has been
made regarding the policy on admitting baptised people to Holy Communion. In
the event this means the possibility of allowing children to receive Communion
before Confirmation. An open meeting was held last June, and was generally in
favour of the policy. The PCC voted subsequently that the policy be accepted
and submitted to the bishop for approval. The bishop has recently approved our policy. This good news
means that we can begin preparation for Communion for children of an
appropriate age, in Lent, with view to admitting them on Sunday 21 May.
Every PCC meeting has
included a report from the Paradise Centre planning group.
An open meeting to
decide the way forward was held in June. The meeting voted to refurbish the
Annexe, rather than replace it with a completely new building as planned
originally. It was also agreed to extend the kitchen and improve the toilets
with a disabled facility. One of the builder’s estimates for the refurbishment
of the Annexe was accepted and work began in October. The planning group was
authorised to append up to £50,000 by the PCC. At the time of writing good
progress has been made on the Annexe, and it is hoped to link its opening with
the Easter events. Sources of grants to assist in the cost of the work have
been investigated.
Helen Glithero was
appointed as Child Protection Co-ordinator. The child protection policy has
been drafted, and St Peter’s is well in line with the Diocesan policy on this
subject. However a Children’s Advocate needs to be appointed. Suitable
publicity material has been prepared.
The PCC in June
approved the Health and Safety Policy and the appointment of B. Greaney as
Health and Safety Officer.
The PCC approved the
appointment of certain Boy’s Brigade leaders, as proposed by the vicar.
The PCC has
investigated links with Malawi, and this was featured at a service in January.
The PCC considered
that the events of Churches Together in Hall Green should be publicised more.
It was noted that there will be church swap on 7th May and an
open-air “Songs of Praise” event on 4th June.
The PCC approved the
re-appointment of several Ministers of Communion.
Various people were
involved in organising social and fundraising events throughout the year including
the Christmas Fair, the Patronal Festival and Brass Band Concert, and thanks
are due to them.
Hall fees and charges
were reviewed and the policy of giving to charities was agreed.
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
THE PARADISE CENTRE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
YEAR ENDING 30TH
SEPTEMBER 2005
The directors present their
report with the financial statements of the compny for the year ending 30th
September 2005.
Principal Activity
The principal activity of the company in the year
under review was that fgor a not-for-profit organisation.
The Directors during the year under review were:
J C Tortise
F M Wilkes
S Fry
M J Paulson
Revd M W Stephenson
W J R George (resigned)
All directors are members of the company. Further information is in the “Company
Status” paragraph.
Company
Status
The company is limited by guarantee. The members have undertaken that, in the
event of a winding up, they will contribute towards payment of liabilities of
the company a sum up to the amount of the guarantee - £1 (one pound). The guarantee is set out in the Memorandum
of Association.
The report has been prepared in accordance with the
special provisions of the part V!! of the Companies Act 1985 relating to small
companies.
REPORTS
FROM THE
ORGANISATIONS
CONTENTS
Amicus
Bible
Society Action Group
Book
Stall
Boys’
Brigade
Boys’
& Girls’ Brigade Companies Band
Brookmeadow
Court
Choir
and Junior Choir
Churches
Together in Hall Green
Creche
Day
Centre
Deanery
Synod
Friends
of St Peter’s
Girls’
Brigade
Guild
of St Raphael
Injoy
Junior
Church
Maintenance
Team Report
Millenium
Volunteers
Missions
to Seafarers
Mothers’
Union
Paradise
Centre Committee
Tots
and Co
Traidcraft
Visiting
Group
Wednesday
Ladies
Women’s
Fellowship