MINUTES OF THE
MEETING OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, LINSLADE, HELD ON
TUESDAY,
Present:
Jo
Thomson
Valerie Stewart Wyn Jones
Miranda Soper Vicki Faiers
John Deighton Russell Stannard
Anna Barratt Carol Oakman
Alison Cudby Nick Moore
Carolyn Birch
Apologies: Mike Finney Simon Soper
Melvyn Gardner
Keith chaired the meeting, which was preceded by parish prayers led by Catherine.
The minutes of the meeting of 30th November were approved, proposed by Nick and seconded by Carol.
Matters arising:
30/04 The use of the back of the church – Dave advised that the display boards were falling apart and replacements were needed. He suggested one for the Church and one for the hall. The cost would be between £300 and £350 per set depending on size. It was decided that one set for the Church would be more sensible at this stage. It would therefore be an eight-panel size, which would give flexibility. A motion to purchase one set was proposed by Vicki, seconded by Janet, all in favour. It was noted that Standing Committee has agreed that no permanent decisions about the use of the back of the church will be made while the situation is monitored.
46/04 Church Action on Domestic Violence – a general acceptance of the charter, but must not be complacent. Outreach has already addressed this subject and there is information on display in the church. A motion was passed that PCC accepts the Charter and will work to support the groups within the Church and any relevant agencies. Proposed by Dave and seconded by Miranda, all in favour.
45/04 Welcoming group – The Social Committee, consisting of Mike Finney(chair), Hazel Coomber, Marion Dye, Sally Finney, Ellie Moore, and Fran Morrow(note taker) met in the Vicarage on Monday evening. Fran explained the position. They wish to set up a team of people to be trained in “welcoming” newcomers. It was noted that the sidesmen are already busy and it would be difficult for them to notice newcomers, take them into coffee and complete their tasks. There will be some overlap but support each other. Catherine reminded us that it is still a social committee that is dealing with welcoming first.
47/04 Parish fees – Standing Committee have accepted the fees. John is still concerned about the fees for St Mary’s but Catherine reminded us that the fee might be waived.
New items for this meeting:
51/04 Summer
Fair – June 11th
- A co-ordinator is needed, not necessarily from PCC. Carol
offered to continue to do the “legal” paperwork because she is already sworn in
and so can arrange the licences for the draw etc. Nick said he and Sandra would
organise the draw. Keith will write to various bodies for entertainment. The time of the event was discussed but
agreed to keep to
52/04 Hall update- a) Building/planning. Much progress has been made. John Hardern, following suggestions from the consultation, has amended the plans and the committee are pleased with the result. The link will become more like a reception area and the glass doors have been replaced with heavy wooden doors for security purposes. Catherine questioned whether the glass is more welcoming than wooden doors. Perhaps a compromise would be more acceptable. A general meeting of all hall users and potential users will be held on Sunday 6th February so that any questions can be considered. It is most likely that an extra PCC meeting will be need to finally approve the plans so that they can be put forward for planning permission which can take 3-4 months. A faculty will also be needed which all takes time. A quantity surveyor needs to cost the plans before planning permission is granted so must decide exactly what is needed. The time urgency is tied up with fund raising. An application for a grant was made to Shanks Landfill for £50,000 for the roof. We are short listed for approval but they wanted to know where the rest of the money was coming from. They need clearly identified parts of the project for their grants. If the work is done in 3 stages with the link/reception being first, followed by refurbishment, and lastly the extension, the grant from Shanks could go towards the first stage that will cost in the region of £30-40,000. Also, the grant would have to be spent by the end of the year. A discussion followed about the “link” – the removing of the window, which will be repositioned in the link, and the possible need to remove more pews. Catherine pointed out the number of lavatories intended for the project – were they all needed? Keith will query this with the architect. Keith stressed the urgency of submitting the plans to SBDC as soon as possible. It was agreed to hold a short meeting of as many as possible of PCC members after the general meeting on 6th February to agree the plans.
b) Fundraising. Although this is a priority for the next 2 years, it is necessary to remember that funds are still needed elsewhere in the church. Outreach must not been forgotten, nor do we want to stifle individual initiative. We need to ensure that events do not conflict with each other and remember to check with Janet that the hall is free. The Friend’s of St Mary’s have already stated that all profits from fundraising activities will go to the hall fund. The following was suggested.
a) From
b) From
the same date, any fundraising activity organised by any individual or church
organisation will be expected to give a significant proportion of the sum
raised to the hall fund. It is suggested that this proportion is at least
50%. This will apply to all fundraising including Christmas events,
donations and special collections in church. The only exceptions will be
fundraising activities which clearly benefit our outreach priorities (e.g.
Christian Aid).
c) However,
if any church organisation wishes to donate all its fundraising proceeds to the
hall fund, then it may apply to the PCC for a grant to cover urgent needs.
d) The
organisers of any fundraising event must state clearly where funds are going.
e) The PCC will commit to 10% of its annual income going to our outreach priorities for the year. It is hoped that outreach group fundraising will contribute at least half of this total, but if insufficient is raised via special fundraising events, then the PCC will top up the outreach giving from its central funds at the end of the year.
This was accepted. Proposed by Nick, seconded by Alison. All in favour.
53/04 Team ministry. Dave reported from the last meeting of the working group. The final draft of the proposed scheme is ready to go to the Bishop of Hertford. The parishes involved are all in favour of the scheme. The scheme is authorised for 5 years but if another parish joins then the scheme must be revised. The door is open for St Barnabas but it is recognised that we need time to consider all aspects and implications of joining. Some reservations were expressed about our position in the area if we were to join. There are implications for Mother’s union who are part of the Mursley deanery and would have to join Leighton Buzzard. The bell ringers are also affected. Russell queried the parish share. It would reduce by about 27% if we were to join because Mursley deanery is so highly rated.
54/04 Decoration of the church in Advent – Traditionally, the church is fairly bare during Advent. Maggie Stannard feels that we could do more to make the church look more welcoming during this time especially as so many children visit the church in the weeks leading up to Christmas. She has made some suggestions. PCC were asked to think about this and any ideas could be passed to the group planning the Christmas season.
56/04 Admitting children to Holy Communion before Confirmation. – It is increasingly the practice that children are allowed to receive the elements before they are confirmed. It was agreed that the PCC should invite Jenny Hyson, Diocesan Children’s adviser, to talk to us about this issue. This will be an open meeting to include all youth leaders.
57/04 Treasurer – a) Funds transfer. – There is a small investment in war stock amounting to £365. The diocese does not want to handle small amounts and have suggested that it is converted to capital. There is a notice on display about this.
b) Alison would like an advance of £100 to purchase items for the Traidcraft stall.
A motion to accept both of these proposals was made by Dave, seconded by Maureen. All agreed.
58/04 Any other business:
a) Catherine reported that there has been little support for the fundraising dinner for our Deanery Youth Worker. They have had to move to a smaller venue.
b) Sound system – Dave said someone is coming to look at our existing system and investigate possibilities for improvement.
c) Rubbish – Churches are classed as trade, not domestic, and therefore cannot take rubbish to the Tidy tip. Please be careful after jumble sales; perhaps better not to accept large items that will be difficult to dispose of if not bought.
d) Refurbishment of Lady Chapel. PCC authorises the incumbent and the churchwardens to apply for a faculty for the refurbishment of the Lady Chapel in accordance with the notices on display.
Proposed by John, seconded by Jim. All in favour.
.
The meeting
concluded with The Grace at