A G E N D A S
ELECTION of CHURCHWARDENS
1. To open the meeting with Bible reading and prayer
2. To receive apologies for absence
3. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 27th April 2009
4. To elect the wardens for the year May 2010 / May 2011
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
1. To receive apologies for absence
2. To approve the minutes of the meeting 27th April 2009
3. To receive the report of the Electoral Roll Officer, Mrs. P. Homer
4. To receive reports from . .
(a) the PCC and its sub-committees
1. REVIEW OF PCC ACTIVITIES 2. Standing Committee 3. Building & Works Committee 4. fabric and ornaments
5. Hall Management Committee 6. MAGAZINE GROUP 7. MISSION SUPPORT GROUP 8. WORSHIP Committee
(b) other committees
1. ABBACUS 2. CLUSTER STEERING COMMITTEE 3. WARLEY dEANERY SYNOD
5. To receive the FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP REPORT of the treasurer Mr. Malcolm Butcher (page16) and the audited accounts (pages 17 - 20) for the
year ending Dec.31st 2009
6. To accept the ANNUAL REPORTS for 2009
7. To elect 3 members to the PCC for the years 2010 / 2013
Retiring members: Mr. K. Gwinnell, Mrs. G. Jones, Mrs.A Masson
8. To elect the Independent Examiner to the Parochial Church Council
for the year ending 31st December 2010
9. To receive reports (pages 21 - 25) from:-
BROWNIES Guides DANCE GROUP Choir Mothers union 100:1 YOUTH GROUP FlowerS SUNDAY CLUB
10. To receive the curate's and vicar's reports (pages 25 - 27)
11. Election of assistant wardens and sidespersons
12. Any other business
13. Closing prayer
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL VESTRY MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS HELD IN THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH HALL ON 27th APRIL 2009 AT 7.30pm
1. The meeting was opened at 7.30 p.m. with a Bible reading and prayer.
Present: Rev. M. Sermon (Chairman), Revd. Ann Simmons and 23 parishioners as signed in the attendance book.
2. Apologies: Mr. B. Daniels, Mr. P. Darby, Mrs. E. Darby, Mr. K. Gwinnell, Mr. G. Hadley, Mrs. B. Hadley, Mrs. S. Sermon.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 21st April 2008 were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS MAY 2009/MAY 2010
Nomination forms had been received before the meeting naming the present wardens, Mrs. M. Pike and Mrs. D. Woolley, as candidates for a further year.
IT WAS RESOLVED THAT Mrs. M. Pike and Mrs. D. Woolley be elected as Churchwardens for the period May 2009 to May 2010.
Rev. Sermon thanked the Churchwardens for their support and work during the past year. In turn the Churchwardens thanked members of the PCC and the wider congregation for all the help they had received.
5. The Chairman closed the meeting at 7.40 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL MEETING HELD ON 27th APRIL 2009 AT 7.45pm IN THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH HALL
1. Present: Rev. M. Sermon (Chairman), Revd. Ann Simmons and 23 parishioners as signed in the attendance book.
Apologies: Mr. B. Daniels, Mr. P. Darby, Mrs. E. Darby, Mr. K. Gwinnell, Mr. G. Hadley, Mrs. B. Hadley, Mrs. S. Sermon.
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
An amendment to item 4, Report of the Electoral Roll Officer was made to the effect that
'3 names had been added bringing the total to 74'. This was instead of 7 names and total 78 as 4 enrolment forms were received after the closing date for inclusion on the roll. With this amendment the minutes of the meeting held on 21st April 2008 were approved and signed by the Chairman.
3. REPORT OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER
Mrs. P. Homer submitted her report for 2009. The number on the roll at 21st April 2008 was 74. During the year there were 4 additions .
Two names were removed: Miss Ella Edwards had died and Mr K. Blakey at his own request. The number on the roll at the date of the meeting was 76.
Thanks were given to Mrs. Homer and the report was approved. The Parish Administrator Mrs. Mary Evans was thanked for her work in updating the computer records for the roll.
4. ELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
It was announced that Mr. Keith Davies was retiring after serving 23 years as the Independent Examiner. The Chairman expressed grateful thanks on behalf of members of the PCC and St.Paul's generally for his loyal service. It was agreed that a letter of thanks and an appropriate gift be sent. Mr. Woodall said that he was willing to take over as Independent Examiner but it would mean that he could no longer continue as a member of the PCC. It was noted that at some future date it may be necessary for St. Paul's PCC to become a registered charity and in that case Mr. Woodall would need to act as Auditor for the charity. Mr. Woodall was thanked for his long service as a member of the PCC.
IT WAS AGREED that Mr. Woodall be appointed Independent Examiner for the year ending 31st December 2009.
5. ELECTION TO THE PCC
Three members were retiring by rotation in 2009: Mrs. M. Evans, Mrs. P. Homer and Mr. P. Whitehouse. Mrs. Evans, as Reader, was now an ex-officio member of the PCC and therefore there were three vacancies to be filled for the three years 2009 to 2012. Mrs. Homer and Mr. Whitehouse said that they were willing to continue and a further nomination was made to elect Mrs. J. Daniels.
IT WAS AGREED that Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Homer and Mr. Whitehouse be elected as PCC members for three years 2009 to 2012.
The other vacancy for the period 2009 to 2010 created by Mr. Woodall's appointment as Independent Examiner remained unfilled for the time being.
6. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2008
The report, containing legal and administrative information and the organisation and aims of the PCC as detailed on page 6 of the annual reports brochure, was accepted.
7. REPORTS OF THE PCC AND PCC SUB-COMMITTEES
The following reports as detailed on pages 7-10 of the annual reports brochure were received and accepted:
1. Review of PCC Activities 2. Report of the Standing Committee. 3. Building and Works Committee. 4. Church Fabric and Ornaments
5. Hall Management Committee 6. Magazine Group 7. Mission Support Group 8. Worship Committee
8. REPORTS OF OTHER COMMITTEES
The following reports as detailed on pages 10 - 16 of the annual reports brochure were received and accepted:
1. Abbacus
It was noted that the employment contract for the Children's Outreach Worker had been extended to 30th September 2009 but that further funding was required to ensure that the work of Abbacus continued beyond that date.
2. Cluster Steering Committee
3. Warley Deanery Synod
The Chairman expressed his thanks for the work of all those who serve on the above committees and for their reports.
9. TREASURER'S REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR 2008
Mr. Woodall referred to the Treasurer's and Stewardship Report (page 16) and the audited statement of accounts (pages 11-14) in the annual reports brochure. He said that over the last two years the cash reserves of St. Paul's had gone down by about £23000 to £50000. Few churches in the diocese make a surplus and he posed the question of what happens if Common fund payments cannot be met. In 2008 one Deanery was £90000 short. The result is that clergy are not appointed, more vacancies occur and after a period of time parishes are merged. Loans or grants from the Diocese are not available if required papers are not submitted or if there is no stewardship scheme. St. Paul's is fortunate in having the curate's house and church hall as properties but the church must continue to pay its own way. Last year about 10% more was raised from voluntary giving. Through the Common Fund St. Paul's still only contributes roughly £23000 towards costs of £76000 met by the Diocese. In the past less well off parishes were subsidised to some extent by payments made by richer parishes. Now all parishes have to pay a fixed amount as part of their quota. To ensure the future of the church the aim must be to meet our Common Fund payments and to balance the books.
As this was Mr. Woodall's final report as Treasurer, the Chairman thanked him for his service over the past 23 years in this capacity and wished him well in his retirement.
IT WAS AGREED that the Treasurer's and Stewardship Report and Statement of Accounts for the year 2008 be accepted.
10. REPORTS FROM CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Reports from the following organisations as detailed on pages 18-21 of the annual reports brochure were received and accepted.
1. Brownies 2. Choir 3. Flowers 4. Guides 5. Mother's Union 6. Children's Church 7. Worship Dance Group
11. CURATE'S REPORT
Revd. Ann Simmons referred to her report on page 21 of the annual reports brochure and thanked everyone for the support she had been given over the past year. She said it was particularly pleasing that baptism services were increasing and that the funeral services held at St. Paul's had been so well received. It was really encouraging that so many parishioners wanted to come and make use of the various services that the church offered. This was also reflected in the increasing numbers making use of St. Paul's website and the enquiries made via the Church of England's national website page 'A Church Near You'.
12. VICAR'S REPORT
Revd. Sermon drew attention to the points raised in his report given on pages 21-23 of the annual reports brochure and thanked all who had served the church over the past year in any capacity and as volunteers.
The Curate's and Vicar's reports were received and accepted.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting address 2009
The other weekend whilst we were driving back from a Spring Harvest Conference at Skegness a very strange thing happened. We found a motorway service station to stop at that we really rather liked. In fact it was more serious than that and we found that we actually wanted to stay longer than we had originally intended.
The service station is situated near the East Midlands airport at the edge of the National Forest. A large airy well laid out building opens up at the back onto a landscaped grassed area with a pond and the beginnings of the National Forest. The spring sunshine was warm and the view across the valley below was lovely even if it did include a section of the A42. Megan and Jamie played happily and safely on the grass and we all agreed it was one of the best service stations we had found and we stayed there for nearly two hours.
You might be wondering why I have bothered to share that story with you, but thinking about this experience helped me in my thinking about our own future here at St Paul's. Quite often when we arrive at a service station like the one I have described our intention is to leave as soon as possible. Sometimes it is because we are in a hurry to complete our journey, quite often it is because our surroundings, the service and food on offer are unappealing. It seems to me that if we are brutally honest the same thing can often be said of visits to church. This can be particularly so for people who are unused to the structure and content of church services, but of course a visit to church does not have to feel this way.
It is that feeling of wanting to stay around that I am describing that I want us to remember this evening, because that is the sort of feeling I want people to experience whenever they visit St Paul's. It does not matter whether people come for a service of worship or for any other purpose, but something about the way we do things needs to be sufficiently attractive for people to want to linger and then return again. If even a motorway service station can induce those feelings in me then it should certainly be possible for St Paul's to do the same. That is a vision to aspire too.
The good news is that to some extent I believe that this is happening already. We can see it in the figures for baptisms and marriages and in people who having seen how we do things have wanted to come back once again. We also see it when baptism family groups choose to stay behind at the end of the service for refreshments.
What matters is the quality of our relationships one with another. What matters is our hospitality, welcome and our ongoing interest in those people we know well and those people we have only just met. It is about all of us together reflecting God's love for everyone so that we all help to create a community which people wish to be part of.
We are going to have a parish away day later in the year and so I do not want to pre-empt that process, but over the last year I have been challenged about the task of building an attractive and welcoming community and that I think could be a key area for us.
Another important area going forward concerns the key personnel changes that are continuing to take place in our church's life. To use an Olympic analogy, that of the relay race, the passing of the relay baton from one runner to another seems to aptly describe some of the changes that we are continuing to experience at St Paul's. If we think for example of former members of the St Paul's youth group we have reached the stage now when many who have contributed so much over the years are stepping down from important positions of responsibility. A number of people have done that already and this year we see it with Jim Woodall as he retires from the position of treasurer after more years than he may care to remember! I want to acknowledge all those contributions and thank God for all that has been given by many people and all that will continue to be given perhaps in different ways. I am also very grateful for the advice and experience that has been shared with me during my six years here, but we also have to be realistic about this time of transition which brings with it particular challenges. Transitions like this are not easy, but of course in life they are inevitable and handling them well is one of our key tasks for the immediate future. This means sharing some of these important responsibilities more widely and that of course is something that we have been working towards over recent years, encouraging people to stand up or stand down from different positions as it feels right to do so.
That said we are also seeing a growing team of people exercising the mission and ministry of the church through our Christian enquirers course (START), our dance group (BLAZE) and our new youth group. In addition to that from July we shall be in the fortunate position of having two curates to serve in our parish. This has not happened for many years and I have not met anyone yet who can tell me the last time that occurred. In contrast to our financial position our human resources and the gifts that each person brings in many ways looks better than ever which is a cause for both celebration and hope
In recent years the demographic profile of the church has also gone through something of a transformation. Now six baptised children have been admitted to Holy Communion before confirmation and our average Sunday attendance includes a significant number of young people. The needs of children and young people within the church are being addressed in a way that they have not been for many years and their increased participation in the life of the church is a real blessing to us.
Priorities going forward
Firstly, our parish vision, five years ago it was described in these terms. To be a:
God centred, prayerful community that is
Outward looking, inclusive and welcoming that seeks to
Serve each other and the people of Blackheath by
Helping to extend the love of God to all.
This has been a helpful guide to us, but our pressing need is to refresh and update this taking into account where we are today. Our children and young people need to be part of that process too because many were not able to contribute to the vision last time round. So our parish away day to develop a vision and plan for the future is a priority task.
Secondly, a new diocesan initiative to be launched called 'Transforming Church' will be a priority. The diocese wants parishes to commit to ten goals over the next three to five years which will read something like this.
To grow the number of adults, young people and children within the worshipping Christian community year on year.
To make the most of opportunities presented by occasional offices, the church calendar and invitational events such as back to Church Sunday.
To develop an understanding of communications in every parish, promoting a church that is visible, welcoming and accessible.
To develop a spiritually-enriching children's and youth ministry in every parish and church school, encouraging clustering where appropriate.
To ensure that a Christian Basics course of some kind is offered in every parish at least once a year.
To implement in every parish an appropriate strategy for making confident, prayerful disciples in their daily life.
To encourage an increasing number of worshipping Christians to take tithing seriously and to give at least 5% of their income to the local church.
To increase the range and spiritual fruitfulness of partnerships and community initiatives across the Diocese.
To increase the number of leaders of all ages, and drawn from every ethnic group, who are trained and deployed in the church and wider community
To encourage every parish community to think through the challenges of relating constructively to those of other faiths.
More information will follow about this over the coming months, but those goals give you a flavour of the direction the diocese is wishing to head in.
A third priority will be attending to our financial position maximising income from sources like the Church Hall for example and looking for ways to reduce expenditure. The aim must be to live within our means and balance the budget despite the realities of the economic recession that we are currently experiencing.
Finally, we need to think through how we deliver on our commitment to better serve the people of Blackheath. Here I am thinking about Shell Corner Partnership which is committed to both community regeneration and social justice. Although this regeneration project is situated wholly within our parish I am the only person from St Paul's with any direct involvement. That I think sells the community short and is something we also need to reflect upon as we approach our parish away day.
13. ELECTION OF ASSISTANT WARDENS AND SIDESPERSONS
Mrs. Daniels asked whether it might be possible to add children as junior sidespersons to the rota. It was generally felt that this should be done when the new rota is drawn up.
Mrs. Dickens queried whether children could also act as junior servers but since servers are authorised by the Bishop, special approval would be required. It was however permitted for them to assist with the distribution of grapes in lieu of the bread and wine and to be involved in other ways during services.
The following were elected as assistant wardens for the coming year:
Mrs. V. Bordicott Mrs. B. Brookes Mr. G. A. Hadley Mr. A. Roberts Mr. P. D. Swannie Mr. J. Woodall Mrs. P. Woodall
Existing arrangements for drawing up the rota for sidespersons were confirmed and accepted.
14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Gift to Mr &Mrs Underhill
IT WAS AGREED that the sum of £40 be given to Mr. & Mrs. Underhill for their work throughout the year in clearing bins in the churchyard.
Thanks
Mr. Woodall thanked Rev. Sermon for chairing the meeting and for the inspiration and support he had given in carrying forward the work of the church in the past year. Thanks were also given to John Dickens, Peter Swannie and Mary Evans for work done in preparing the annual reports brochure.
15. CLOSURE OF MEETING
Rev. Sermon closed the meeting with prayer at 8.55 p.m.
R E V I E W of P R O G R E S S a n d A C H I E V E M E N T S
The AVERAGE SUNDAY ATTENDANCE (A.S.A.), was 100adults, 14children (worshippers counted during October 2009)
L E G A L and A D M I N I S T R A T I V E I N F O R M A T I O N
St. Paul's Church is situated in Long Lane, Blackheath in the Deanery of Warley and the Diocese of Birmingham
Bankers:- Barclays Bank plc Blackheath Branch
Independent Examiner:- K. Davies of Woodall, Davies & Bache, Chartered Certified accountants 143 High Street, Rowley Regis
Architect:- G. Dyhouse of APEC 207 The Custard Factory, Gibb St. Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4AA
Property Adviser:- D. Scriven of Scriven & Co. Chartered surveyors, valuers & estate agents 821/829 Hagley Rd West, Quinton
O R G A N I S A T I O N and A I M S
PRESENT MEMBERSHIP of the PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
CLERGY Revd. Michael Sermon M.A., Revd. Ann Simmons, Revd. Carole Christensen
CHURCHWARDENS Mrs. D. Woolley Mrs. M. Pike
READERS Mrs. M. Evans
DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES Mr. P. Swannie, Mrs. M. Pike
MEMBERS to 2012 Mrs. J. Daniels, Mrs. P. Homer Mr. P. Whitehouse
MEMBERS to 2011 Mr. M. Butcher, Mrs. S. Round, Mrs. I. Dickens
MEMBERS to 2010 Mr. K. Gwinnell, Mrs. G. Jones Mrs. A. Masson (co-opted)
All the above members of the PCC accept responsibility for the following information,
which is hereby presented to members of the congregation and is readily available to any other person on request.
The aims of the PCC are 'TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE INCUMBENT IN PROMOTING, IN THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH, THE WHOLE MISSION OF THE CHURCH, PASTORAL, EVANGELISTIC, SOCIAL & ECUMENICAL'. In order to facilitate the carrying out of these responsibilities, the PCC receives regular reports and recommendations from the STANDING COMMITTEE, BUILDING & WORKS COMMITTEE, HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, DEANERY SYNOD, MAGAZINE GROUP, MISSION SUPPORT GROUP, WORSHIP GROUP, CLUSTER STEERING COMMITTEE and STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE.
REPORT OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER 2010
1. The number on the Electoral Roll at the last annual meeting held on 27th April 2009 was 76
2. During the year the names of the following 3 persons were removed:Carole Glenda Christensen ordained July 2009 Brenda Annie Hadley died May 2009 Phyllis Nora Rose died August 2009
3. The following 3 persons have been added to the roll:Christopher Paul Darby Nigel Christopher Hurley Julie Mansell
4. The number on the Electoral Roll at the annual meeting to be held on 22nd March 2010 is:76 Patrice Homer Electoral Roll Officer
REVIEW OF PCC ACTIVITIES 2009
Six regular bi-monthly meetings of the Parochial Church Council were held during the year at which an average of 12 members attended. During the year the PCC continued to administer and oversee the business of the church, supporting its ministry to the parish and taking care of the church buildings and churchyard. In addition to receiving reports and authorising activities of PCC committees and working groups, the following areas of church ministry and administration were dealt with.
Church Growth, Outreach and Mission.
Throughout the year the council has supported the use of the church for services, concerts and events that have brought the local community into church. Schools in the area have been welcomed to find out more about church services and explore the building. Back to Church Sunday was made part of the 140th Anniversary celebrations held in September including the Festival of Memories and proms concert in church. The council supported members of the ministry team attending courses 'Leading Your Church into Growth' and was active in following up proposals arising out of the parish Away Day in October led by The Venerable Brian Russell Archdeacon of Aston. Subsequent meetings were held with Carol Myers, linking in with the Transforming Church initiatives launched by the Diocese, working towards the development of the next 5 year plan.
Children's Ministry and Child Protection
The council was pleased to support the formation of the Worship Dance Group and 100:1 Youth Group and the re-launch of Children's Church in September. These developments and the involvement of children in church services are seen as particularly important for the ongoing support of families with young children. The preparation of more children through the Welcome to the Lord's Table course, their admission to Holy Communion at Easter and the continuing practice of distributing grapes to those yet to be admitted, is welcomed by the council as a way of offering more inclusive worship services. The Child Protection policy is being updated in line with the new Diocesan policy. The council and individual members of the congregation have continued to give financial support to Abbacus and the work done by our Children's Outreach Worker in partnership with St. Giles and local Methodist churches. A grant has now been obtained from the CofE Church and Community Fund to enable the project to continue to the end of September 2010.
Worship Services and Seasonal Events
Changes have been made from time to time in the pattern of services to include all age worship, memorial, Advent and cluster services. Of particular significance has been the increased attendance at the Wednesday morning Communion service and the support given to the Friday morning prayer group. At the end of the year it was agreed that the Sunday evening service should be discontinued. The Deanery Confirmation
service led by Bishop David was held at St. Paul's in June. Buffet lunches were organised to host the Confirmation Service in June and to celebrate the ordination of Revd. Carole Christensen in July. Lent courses were well supported and the All Soul's Memorial and Remembrance Sunday services were particularly appreciated. Though not yet complete, arrangements for lettering in the memorial book have been kept under review. The Memorial tree kindly donated by local undertakers provided a poignant focal point for remembrance during Advent. The council was pleased to approve the purchase of two new decanters given as a donation by Mr Cyril Green.
Maintenance of Church, Churchyard and Church Hall
Costs involved in the heating, lighting and maintenance of the church have continued to concern the Council. The sound system has been upgraded, the lightning conductors re-installed and light bulbs in the nave and chancel replaced. A new contractor has been employed to do grass cutting in the churchyard and repairs have been carried out to the fence at the bottom of the churchyard. Quotations have been obtained for additional security lighting. The Council approved increases in hiring fees for the church hall and have reviewed alternative quotations for replacing the heating system, installing cavity wall insulation and light fittings. Applications for funding have been made and conditional grants obtained for this work to be done in 2010. Following an offer made by Vicarage Road Garage to improve security by installing gates at the side of the hall, a legal agreement is being drawn up to re-define rights of way.
Ministry Team
In 2009 St. Paul's has been further blessed by the ordination of Revd. Carole Christensen and the strengthening of the ministry team which this provides. However the PCC is mindful of the additional demands placed on the ministry team while our cluster church partners at St. Giles and St. James continue to be in inter-regnum. Members of the PCC wish to express their thanks and place on record their appreciation of the work done and leadership provided by the ministry team during the past year. Peter Swannie
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE 2009
Two formal meetings of the Standing Committee were held during the year to review matters arising from the previous PCC meeting and prepare items to be considered at the next meeting. All matters discussed and recommended action were subsequently reported to the PCC for action as appropriate. Peter Swannie
MISSION SUPPORT GROUP
Unfortunately the Mission Support Group hasn't been able to function this last year because of a lack of leader. It was therefore officially closed by the PCC.
In February a Pizza & Pancake Party was held but very few people attended.
A collection was held at Sainsbury's when some £800 was raised for Christian Aid. This was a wonderful effort and grateful thanks to all who 'shook-a-tin'.
July saw us celebrating the ordination as deacon of our own Carole Christensen - a very happy day for all who attended the service in the Cathedral and the church hall for lunch.
October was our Harvest Festival and Afternoon Tea was taken in the church hall, but again very few people supported the event.
The Prayer Group continues to meet every Friday morning at 10am during Lent and 10.30am for the rest of the year. This is a very happy prayerful time and all are welcome.
The Mission Support Group needs a leader to guide us in the furtherance of the Lord's work. Glennys Jones
BUILDINGS AND WORKS
Please read this report for there is something for everyone to consider at the end.
It's been a challenging year and the buildings have thrown up some very expensive repairs. As we;; as the usual repairs we have just replaced the whole central heating at Garland Crescent. This was necessary as the other one sprang some sudden and unforeseen serious leaks and it was just too old to repair. Thanks to Mary and Malcolm for organising this.
The better news is that with the benefit of financial grants we have upgraded the church hall magnificently by replacing the old heating system with a new one, replacing the old lights with fluorescent lighting, replacing the old windows with 'K' glazed UPVC windows and we have also had cavity wall insulation installed. All of these works (£1500) have not cost us a penny and the savings on gas and electricity will be significant and also give us a much more comfortable and rentable hall. I would like to thank Peter for the hard work involved in obtaining the grants and also for identifying our new superb heating system that ended up £12000 cheaper than alternatives we were considering.
And now the ominous news that I asked you to read on for. We have a leak in the church roof over the side aisle in front of the church office. To repair this could cost from £350 to £3000 depending on what we find up there. In investigating this repair I have examined the condition of the church roof more thoroughly and it alarms me what I have found.. In short our church roof needs replacing and will have to be done so at some point. Perhaps we can continue to repair for some years but we are only delaying the inevitable. I am sorry to have to mention this but it is my duty to do so as Building & Works manager and we should consider in the back of our minds that such a replacement could easily be £225,000 or more. Obviously this is something that we should bear in mind in all our future plans and prayers. Space does not allow me to go into more detail but please speak to me on the matter should you wish to do so.
Finally, as always, thanks to all the unsung heroes who sweep, garden, clean, fix, mend and do so silently unnoticed and sometimes without recognition. Your friend - Kevin Gwinnell
CHURCH FABRIC AND ORNAMENTS
This has been quite a busy year, with some causes for concern and some positive elements.
The sound system has been upgraded and after some initial problems now seems to be mainly satisfactory.
The small memorial in the Lady Chapel has now been re-enamelled, thanks to the generosity of Mrs Grace Harpur. As a result of a generous donation from Mr Cyril Green, we have purchased two new communion decanters. These will be dedicated in the New Year.
The glass in the porch has been coated with safety film in order to comply with Health and Safety regulations. The lightning conductors have been repaired and guards fitted. Hopefully this will prevent further vandalism. Other maintenance such as boiler servicing and repairs, unblocking sewers, replacing light bulbs and organ tuning have been carried out as necessary. There have been problems with graffiti on the external church walls and doors. This has been removed by Dudley Council.
The church roof, especially the guttering, is giving cause for concern as there are leaks during heavy rain and snow and evidence of damp on some walls. This needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
The churchyard also gives cause for concern. Upkeep has proved difficult this year and we have received several complaints from members of the public, especially those visiting to tend graves. Japanese Knotweed is also a problem which will need to be addressed.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the groups who work so hard (and sometimes struggle) to keep the church clean, tidy, decorated and attend to maintenance matters in church and churchyard. Mary Pike and Denise Woolley.Churchwardens
HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Management Committee presented a proposal to the Parochial Church Council to increase the hall rents. There had been no increase for three years and the rents were not uniform for the regular users and some groups were paying a very low rent which meant that P.C.C. were having to subsidise these rents to cover costs.
P.C.C agreed to the increases and to bringing in the same fixed rate for all regular users.
I worked closely with the users over the next few months to ensure good relationships were maintained and any difficulties groups would have paying the increase were discussed.
Only one group were unable to pay the increase. They were struggling for numbers attending sessions and had been finding it difficult to cover costs anyway. I encouraged them to advertise the group in various ways but numbers didn't increase and so the leaders decided it was time to close the group. This was a sad decision but the group had enjoyed many years of success and were grateful to the church for their support to them.
By the beginning of July the new hire rates were in force and this will hopefully now cover the costs of running the hall without P.C.C. subsidising.
We have lost a few of our other regular hirers but these were not because of rent rises. The Physically Handicapped Group who held once a month socials closed because the Chair needed to step down and no-one could be found to take over this position. W.R.V.S. closed in December for the same reason. Both groups had tried to find replacement leaders and were very sad to have to close the groups. The Slimming Group also closed. In this case it was because of lack of numbers.
During the year more quotes were obtained for new heating and lighting, and also double glazing to the windows. P.C.C. carefully considered the options that had been given and decided upon the majorities' preferred choices. We are very grateful to Kevin Gwinnell who liased with the contractors over the best requirements for the hall. We are also very grateful to Peter Swannie who then completed grant applications and are thrilled that we have been granted enough funding to complete the heating, lighting, double glazing and cavity wall insulation. A BIG thank you to Peter. The work will take place early in 2010.
Discussions have taken place with the Asian Elderly Group who are looking at the possibility of using the hall more often as the Age Concern premises in Green Lane will shortly be closing down. They are looking to use the hall 3 times a week and this should begin after all of the work is done on the hall.
Highfields School have also approached us about using the hall for some of their activities and they have booked to use the hall for six Friday afternoons in March/April 20010.
I would like to express our thanks to Chris the cleaner who keeps the hall in a reasonable state for use. Her hard work and commitment to keeping the hall as clean and tidy as possible is really appreciated.
Thank you also to everyone who gives time and work to the upkeep of the hall. It is good to have such a willing band of volunteers.
Well, a changing and busy 2009 and hopefully all of the changes, will mean that the hall will in future be self sufficient and even make some income towards the church finances. Mary Evans
WORSHIP REVIEW GROUP
This group has continued to meet during the year to consider all matters relating to worship. The principle recommendation which the Church Council approved was the permanent ending of Sunday Evening Services with effect from December 2009. This significant change was made somewhat reluctantly and only after careful and prayerful consideration, but it was in response to an established pattern of low attendances and the need to save money on a service of worship that ran at a financial loss. Revd Mike Sermon, Vicar and Chair
MAGAZINE COMMITTEE
I wish to record my grateful thanks to everyone who has helped in any way towards producing the magazine during 2009.
Whether you have contributed articles, poems, recipes etc. or printed the copies or assembled them, as always it has been a great team effort. Many thanks. Graham Roberts
O T H E R R E P O R T S
ABBACUS ACCOUNTSSUMMARY FOR THE YEAR TO DECEMBER 31ST 2009INCOMEMethodist Church for salary & expenses£8,562.00St. Paul's PCC donations£4,000.00St. Giles' PCC£1,500.00Chance Trust£400.00Razzamatazz holiday club£61.60TOTAL INCOME£14,523.60EXPENDITUREProject administration (including equipment)£1,002.07Activities£705.02Development and training£91.80Telephone£300.00Mileage expenses£153.60Books, Teaching materials, Music etc.£78.64TOTAL ADDITIONAL EXPENSES£2,331.13SALARY RELATED EXPENSESSalary and payroll costs £15,758.85TOTAL EXPENDITURE £18,089.98DEFICIT YEAR TO DATE(£3,566.38)ADD BANK BALANCE AT 1ST JANUARY£4,614.03BANK BALANCE AT 31ST DECEMBER£1,047.65CASH FLOAT HELD FOR EXPENSES£50.00£1,097.65
ABBACUS ANNUAL REPORT 2009
During the year I have continued to build relationships with local primary schools and to support services and activities for children in the five churches - St. Paul's, St. Giles', Central, Hurst Green and Long Lane - in the following ways.
School's Work
I held 24 assemblies at Highfields (5), Hurst Green (6), Rowley Hall (5), Halesbury (1), Blackheath (3) and Olive Hill (4). and took 4 RE lessons at Rowley Hall, Blackheath Primary and Olive Hill schools. A Chess Club has been run every Tuesday lunch time at Hurst Green. Peter Swannie and I have been helping as Reading Buddies at Hurst Green on Tuesday afternoon listening to children read. I have assisted with 5 church visits from Rowley Hall, Hurst Green, Blackheath and Olive Hill (2). I accompanied children from Hurst Green on a theatre visit in January to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and gave a talk on the Gift of Jesus at the Hurst Green Christmas service.
Church Work
At Hurst Green church, I led devotions for Boys Brigade 3 times and led Kidz Club 6 times. At Central Methodist I led devotions for Girls Brigade 3 times and visited Happy Hour 4 times. Also at Central, I visited Girls Brigade for the service celebrating Christine Chambers' 40 years service and their Christingle service. At St. Paul's, I led Brownies 4 times and visited the Blaze dance Group 3 times. I took part in 11 children's services between the 5 churches.
Events
30 children attended the Big Ministries Big Party held at Central on 28th March. As part of the Abbacus AGM held at St. Paul's in June, I organised a treasure hunt and parachute games for children. The summer holiday Razzamatazz Robots was held over a period of two weeks at St Paul's from August 17th to 21st and at Central from August 24th to 28th. I led activities for children at the St. Paul's Away day in October.
Training
I passed the Future Builders course and was awarded my certificate in Children's Ministry. I attended the Children's Ministry conference in Eastbourne in January and Leading your Church into Growth conference in Birmingham in March. I completed a Basic Web Design Course and attended a Godly Play Getting Started Day. Jodi Jones - Children's Outreach Worker
During the year, the Management Committee was pleased to be able to extend Jodi's appointment for a further 12 months to 30th September 2010. The Committee is pleased to acknowledge the financial support given by the churches and individuals and to thank the charitable trusts that have enabled the work of Abbacus to continue for a further year. A summary statement of accounts for the year is attached. The Committee thanks Jodi for the work she has done in the past year and congratulates her on attaining her certificate in Children's Ministry. Peter Swannie
CLUSTER STEERING COMMITTEE
We continue to work with our brothers and sisters at our cluster churches namely St Giles' Rowley Regis and St James' Rounds Green. Unfortunately both churches have been in interregnum (without a vicar) for a considerable period of time and throughout 2009. We have sought to encourage and support both churches during this challenging period and our clergy regularly officiate at baptism, marriage, funeral and other services to provide cover. Do please pray for both churches that a new person to lead them forward will be found. Revd Mike Sermon, Vicar and Chair
