MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, LINSLADE, HELD ON 22^nd JUNE 2004, AT 8 P.M. IN THE CHOIR VESTRY

Present:
	Jo Thomson	Alison Cudby
	Valerie Stewart	Simon Soper
	John Deighton	Fran Morrow
	Maureen Gadsby	Carolyn Birch
	Wyn Jones	Sue Smith
	Keith Dally	Anna Barrett
	Jim Pickering	Nick Moore
	Vicki Faiers	Miranda Soper
	Catherine Dyer	Keith Saunder
	Rebecca Pickering	Janet Miller
	David Darvill	Russell Stannard
Apologies:
	Carol Oakman
	Mike Finney
	Melvyn Gardner

Catherine opened the meeting with a reading and a prayer.

The minutes of the meeting of the 4^th April were approved. Proposed by Alison, seconded by Russell.

Fran proposed and Maureen seconded a motion to approve the minutes of 25^th May. This was passed unanimously.

Matters arising

2/04	PCC Dates for 2004-5. The Standing Committee had met on 15^th June, not 8^th. Also, note the extra date of 27^th July for PCC meeting and the November Standing committee will be on Wednesday 10^th November.
6/04	Lady Chapel - Dave proposed to remove curtains and feed and polish the wood as a first measure. Neville has agreed to do this. Would need quote for chairs, which Jo has in hand. Leave further discussion to next meeting. All agreed.
8/04	The letter about Youth club responsibilities has been sent, but Rebecca reported that this has meant that no older children have attended. The facilities are not designed for older children; they would rather be with their friends. The Youth leaders meeting will address this issue.

New items for this meeting:

10/04	Renewal of permission to administer the chalice This is overdue. Catherine has not been able to contact everyone prior to this meeting. It was proposed by Keith S and seconded by Nick that the PCC authorise the clergy to give the permission. All agreed. A full list will be circulated before next meeting.
11/04	Parish Hall – Fund raising. - Keith went through the paper that had been circulated. The Fund Raising committee should be independent of the Hall Development Committee. There was still a lot of work to be done regarding grants, use of professional fundraisers, charity status, terms of reference, etc. Keith is consulting diocese about some of these issues. It is not necessary to have all the money raised before starting project, but need to have it promised. Item 3.2 in report should therefore read: It is envisaged that once £400,000 has been commited the architects and builders will start work on construction. All agreed that it is an excellent report. Jo, Janet and Alison offered to go on the committee after the flower festival. PCC members were asked to think of other suitable members of the congregation who might be willing to help and tell Keith. John proposed and Janet seconded a motion to accept the report. Keith was thanked for all his work so far. It is proposed to re term the Site Redevelopment Committee to Hall Development Committee. There may be a need for other members with particular expertise, not necessarily from the congregation. PCC agreed. Proposed by Alison, seconded by Valerie. Keith has had several letters following the 2 meetings, all supporting the main plan. There are smaller issues that need raising before final plans are made, but need to be given to architect in one go, not “drip fed”. There followed a discussion of proposals which included – access to disabled toilets, including from the church, independent of the hall; lighting and use of heat pumps/solar panels; only main hirer can use kitchen, may need kitchenette at rear of hall; position of Sunday school and Barnacles –They have own room at the moment and their interests will need to be protected; flexible use for church and community and suitable display space; the position of the crèche and the use of the Choir vestry. Also, the issue of caretaker/manager needs more discussion. Sue is anxious that it is looked at as part of a vision for the future management of the project after the building is completed. Catherine thanked everyone who has worked so hard to get us where we are now.
12/04	Team Ministry Catherine explained that the Dunstable Deanery Pastoral Committee had initiated the meetings of clergy and church wardens of the parishes of Leighton Buzzard group of parishes, Heath and Reach and Linslade; Linslade as observers, so far. With the expansion of the town, more clergy are needed and a team ministry seems a likely solution. There are 2 groups meeting – One to draft a scheme to create a team ministry in Leighton Buzzard and the other to make an audit of the facilities of needs and opportunities across the town. The St.Barnabas representatives want to play a full part in the negotiations, without at this stage, recommending that we join. In discussion it was noted that we are part of a different diocese, which creates difficulties. It might involve negotiating diocesan boundary changes. It was pointed out that we are part of Leighton-Linslade except for diocese boundaries and need to be part of the discussion. But we must ensure that there is enough common vision of mission and ministry for us to work formally together, also that the value of non-stipendiary ministry is fully recognised. The motion “ to authorise the Incumbent and the Church wardens to play a full part in negotiations with the Parishes of Leighton Buzzard and Heath and Reach regarding the establishment of a team ministry for the local area but to make no commitment without PCC authorisation”, was proposed by Rebecca and seconded by Alison. There were 2 abstentions.
13/04	Parish Outreach Group Valerie, speaking for the Outreach group, noted that some years ago, the parish used to tithe its income. The Missions Committee’s work has been educational, and making recommendations to the PCC. Although this stopped through lack of funds, the Parish Outreach group thought that the Church should give away a certain percentage of income, as the Diocese does and as we ask the congregation to do. Jo suggested that we look at the figures at November meeting and consider the position then. The recommendation that “PCC will consider 5% of planned giving to go to mission initially, in addition to what Outreach raises. PCC should ensure that 10% is met” was agreed. Proposed by Sue, seconded by Rebecca. All in favour.
14/04	Bedfordshire Heartlands Tourist Association Dave reported that, following agreement at the Standing Committee, we have joined at a cost of £35 per year. We shall appear in Tourist literature, church trails, etc and will be able to advertise any events, conventions, available venues, etc.
15/04	Report from Friends of St Mary’s A copy of the statement was circulated. John explained further. Churchyard: Friends want to remove the kerbstones but not the head stones to enable mowers to be used instead of the strimmers, which are becoming dangerous. This will need a Faculty. St Mary’s Church – Must have toilet facilities for away days, retreats, and other uses. Need to investigate the cost and viability of putting in toilet facilities. PCC noted the statement.
16/04	Items for future meetings (not in a particular order) -Welcoming new comers -Disabilities discrimination issues -Publicity -School liaison -Flower arrangers – a new co-ordinating group when Barbara Marshall retires. -Parish magazine editorial group- membership -Lady chapel refurbishment -Child protection policy PCC members were asked to consider where they could be involved, as well as others who might be recruited.
17/04	Any other business 1. Associated Activity Groups Dave introduced the following statement. The PCC acknowledges that it is responsible for the following activity and support groups operating within the Parish of Linslade. The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Old Linslade The Choir The Bellringers The Parish Magazine The Cell of Our Lady at Walsingham Flower arrangers Youth clubs And that they operate under PCC authority, reporting accordingly. The Funds of these groups have been incorporated into the Parish bank accounts, and their interim and annual accounts form part of the Parish banking and accounting procedures. The Funds of these groups are held as being designated for the specific purposes of these groups, and will be shown as such in the Parish accounts. Proposed to accept by Jim, seconded by Simon. All agreed. 2. Thanks were extended to Carol and Anna for all their work at the Summer fair.
	3. It was noted that Keith Dalley and Sue Smith would be moving shortly to Northampton. They were thanked for their invaluable contribution to the PCC.

The meeting concluded with the Grace at 10.00 p.m.

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