MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, LINSLADE, HELD ON TUESDAY,

25th JULY 2006, AT 8.00PM IN THE CHOIR VESTRY

 

 

 

Present:                        Valerie Stewart             Catherine Dyer         

                                    Keith Saunders Carolyn Birch

                                    Frances Morrow          Miranda Soper

                                    Jo Thomson                  Carol Oakman 

                                    John Deighton               Wyn Jones

                                    Nick Moore                 Marian Dye                

                                    Janet Miller                   Mike Finney 

                                    Maureen Gadsby         Vicki Faiers

Apologies:                   

Simon Soper                Russell Stannard

Marlene Richardson      David Throssell

                                               

 

 

 

Keith chaired the meeting. The minutes of the meeting of 27th June 2006 were approved. Proposed by Fran and seconded by Jo. All agreed.

 

 

Matters arising:

 

2/06     Appointments – This has still not been resolved.

 

14/06   Workshop with Andrew Gear – next steps – Thanks were extended to Marian for arranging a tea party on August 13th to discuss ways of welcoming newcomers into the church. Catherine is concerned that we do not do enough to nurture the Christian faith. She would like someone to work with her to ensure that basic Emmaus courses are run regularly. Marian offered to discuss this with Catherine.

 

15/06   Hall update – Keith explained that Stage 1 is nearly complete. They are still waiting for the lights and the floor tiles. The outside work on the drains is actually part of Stage 2 but had to be brought forward. It is still intended to spend the money for the roof next spring. Three quotes have been received for the kitchen and the bar area. More grant applications are in process and we still need to review the funding for the project.

 

16/06   Communion before Confirmation – draft policy – The policy was sent to Jenny Hyson for approval but has been returned for an amendment to cover child protection issues.

 

17/06   Worship – Two services have been arranged for St Mary’s. On 15th August there will be a Taize chant style service and on 2nd September there will be an Iona style evensong.

 

18/06   Parish Prayers – Standing Committee has decided that Parish Prayers shall be led by members of the PCC on a rota system, starting with Nick in September. This is good for both individuals and the Parish. As some of the PCC are uncomfortable at the thought of this, Valerie suggested that some members worked in pairs. This was agreed and individuals should speak to Nick as he is drawing up the rota.

 

New items for this meeting:

 

 

22/06   Move to St Alban’s Diocese – update.

 

            A letter has been received from Paul Hughes, Archdeacon of Bedford, acknowledging the correspondence about the proposed move, and stating that a copy of the letter has been forwarded to the DAC Pastoral Secretary requesting that he set the wheels in motion as quickly as possible. Catherine has received a letter from All Saints PCC Secretary informing us of a resolution that was passed unanimously by the PCC of All Saints, welcoming the initiative to request transfer into the St Alban’s diocese. There has also been communications with the Rural Dean of Dunstable outlining the process to transfer Linslade to the Diocese of St Albans. It is estimated that the process will take about 12 months, assuming no objections.

           

23/06   Chalice Assistants – renewal of licence

 

            The following have previously been authorised to administer the chalice and it is proposed that permission be sought for them to continue. Anna Barrett, Tony Birch, Timothy Claydon, Sheila Deighton, Maureen Gadsby, Christopher Hart and Simon Soper. Permission will also be sought for Mike Finney, Avril Gunner, Nick Moore and Miranda Soper.

            Catherine and Wyn intend to make a clear distinction between the ministries of serving and administering the chalice; thus servers will not administer the chalice at the same time as serving.           

            John proposed and Janet seconded that these names be submitted for approval. All agreed.   

           

24/06   Christmas Fair/ Tree Festival

 

            It has been suggested that we hold the Christmas Fair on the same weekend as the Tree Festival. The Tree Festival starts on Friday 1st December and the fair will be on Saturday 2nd December. Some objections were aired but overall the advantages outnumbered the disadvantages.

            Nick proposed and Marian seconded that we amalgamate the two events. All agreed.

 

25/06   Standing Committee report

           

            Items raised at Standing Committee had been discussed during other items on the agenda.

 

 

26/06   Any other business

 

            Catherine informed PCC that she had attended an inaugural meeting of the Leighton/ Linslade Christian Ecology Association. There is an ecological audit and an award to eco-friendly churches. Catherine proposed that we do the questionnaire. This was referred to standing committee.

 

 

 

 

The meeting concluded with The Grace at 8.50 pm.