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

27th JUNE 2006, AT 8.00PM IN THE CHOIR VESTRY

 

 

 

Present:                        Valerie Stewart             Catherine Dyer         

                                    Simon Soper                Carolyn Birch

                                    Frances Morrow          Miranda Soper

                                    Jo Thomson                  Carol Oakman 

                                    John Deighton               Marlene Richardson

                                    Nick Moore                 David Throssell

                                    Janet Miller                                          

Apologies:                   

Mike Finney                 Russell Stannard

Keith Saunders Wyn Jones

                                    Marian Dye                 Maureen Gadsby          

Vicki Faiers

 

 

Nick chaired the meeting. He advised members that Maggie Stannard has resigned from the PCC because of other commitments.

The minutes of the meeting of 23rd May were approved. Proposed by John and seconded by Jo. All agreed.

 

 

Matters arising:

 

2/06     Appointments – we still need a representative for Churches Together. Catherine explained there should only be 4 meetings a year with some of the work being done by sub-committees. Standing Committee is to find a representative.

 

4/06     Move to St. Alban’s Diocese – This should have been on the agenda for the Bucks Pastoral Committee meeting on June 13th but there was an extra long agenda and this was not mentioned. Catherine has been advised that it is the receiving diocese that has to do most of the work so Grant Fellows is to look into the matter and devise a timetable for the transfer. Nick read out a letter received from the Rural Dean for Dunstable, stating they are looking forward to having St Barnabas as co-workers in their shared mission in this south-west corner of Bedfordshire.

 

5/06     Recommendations from Stewardship Committee – these were noted.

 

8/06     St. Mary’s – The work on the plinths is completed and looks clean and tidy; the preparatory work on the stonework is done ready for the mortar that is on order; the graveyard has grassed over well but is still uneven and does need the top soil. John proposed, seconded by Carol, that PCC grant permission for the work to go ahead when it is convenient to do it. All agreed. A cross has been broken in the graveyard. Nick said there has been guidance about annually checking the stability of gravestones and recording it has been done.

 

11/06   Patronal festival – There were not as many participants as hoped but those who went enjoyed the day. It had been a bit hectic with the strawberry teas and the U3A choir as well as the picnic. Carol Dixon is to be thanked for arranging the picnic and the walk.

 

 

New items for this meeting:

 

 

14/06   Workshop with Andrew Gear – next steps

 

            Catherine introduced the discussion. Everyone present had seen the reports of the day compiled by Andrew. (Copy in file) 17 people had attended and were asked to identify 3 main priorities. These formed the basis of the marks of a healthy church – the weaknesses and the strengths. Some of the numbers were surprising and it was felt that there were different interpretations put on certain words. We need to identify areas in our church life that we want to work on. Much discussion centred on nurturing Christian faith. We need a committee to co-ordinate and develop the house groups. Simon is to ask the Stewardship group to compile information about existing groups – as an extension of the “who does what?” table.

            Nick went through the scores looking especially at the low ones. Existing groups are already looking at some of the issues. It was clear that we must improve on welcoming people to the congregation. The social committee has this brief and Marian has issued an invitation to afternoon tea at her house at 4pm on Sunday 13th August, to discuss the way forward.

            It was stressed that we cannot do everything and it is better to do a few things well. The priorities are Nurture, Welcoming, Communication, and Worship. The Standing committee will look at the next steps – Catherine is determined that we continue to develop and address the issues raised. It was proposed that Andrew Gear be asked to speak to us in the future

 

           

15/06   Hall update

 

            Keith had submitted a report. (Copy on file)

   Stage 1 – This is progressing well but there has been some increase in expenditure because of items not included in the specification, changes to the specification, and works that became necessary as works proceeded. The architects have provided the hall committee with a full breakdown of additional costs. The overall contract figure was for £93,800 and the revised total figure is £101,593.

   The PCC is asked to approve the expenditure of a total of up to £102,000 on stage 1. Proposed by Simon, seconded by Jo. One against, rest in favour.

   The question of security round the back of the link was referred to the Hall committee.

   Nick explained about the two small windows that will be created in the church above the link. Plain glass will be put in these until it is decided which design to use. Keith had asked that we pay for the paving slabs out of the Biley bequest but Simon thinks there is a restriction for beautification of the “interior”. This will be checked.

   Stage 2 –Fundraising has proceeded more slowly than hoped and quotations for fittings have been higher than expected. The quotations for remodelling work are being reconsidered and this will further delay work starting. The hall committee have decided to dispense with the services of the quantity surveyor. PCC noted progress on stage 2a.

It has been decided to do the roof next in order to make use of the grant from Wren that needs to be spent before next March. Doing the works to stage 2 in smaller chunks will increase overall costs, but seems that this looks the most realistic way of getting the desired result. The PCC approved this strategy for approaching work to stage 2b.        

        

           

16/06   Communion before Confirmation – draft policy

 

            Catherine explained the background to the policy that needs to go the area bishop and the diocesan children’s adviser this month if we are to go ahead as planned. David raised an issue about qualifications – children must be baptised. Catherine said the committee would consider this but felt it was an essential requirement. The PCC was asked to accept to accept the document as it stands. Proposed by Fran, seconded by Valerie. 12 for, 1 against.

           

                                

17/06   Worship Committee report

 

The report was noted. It is with regret that it is noted that there is no Iona or Taize style worship this summer. It is hoped to arrange something in the autumn at St Mary’s.

          

 

18/06   The future of Parish Prayers

 

            The parish prayer group used to meet once a month but was poorly attended. It then changed to 7.30 before the PCC meeting. This has not proved over satisfactory. The Servers’ Office has been extended and perhaps could find time for parish prayers. This idea will be discussed with the servers. Valerie felt there was still place for prayers before the PCC meeting. It did not have to be over organised but be a time for reflection by individual members with perhaps one or two joint prayers.

 

 

 

 

 

19/06   Parish Fair

 

            The committee had met for a “de-brief” that had proved most useful. The date for next years fete is 9th June and they are now working on the autumn fair. The PCC thanked the Fete committee for their hard work.

           

 

20/06   Standing Committee report

 

a)      One of the servers is having difficulty seeing the steps in the Chancel and those leading into the Lady Chapel and has requested that the marking tape be replaced. This has been referred to the buildings committee.

b)      The secretary has received a letter from the Choir raising 2 points. One is about having more chairs in the vestry. This has been referred to Buildings committee. The other is about not having the choir on the first Sunday in the month. This has been referred to the Worship Committee.

c)      There has been a request to purchase new altar linen. A donor has offered to provide this.

d)      Keith has been offered a gift of a piano to replace the existing one in the hall. The Standing Committee, on behalf of the PCC, accepted the offer.

e)      A donation of £50 was sent to the College of St Barnabas.

f)        Catherine has received a message from Grant Fellows that he had received from the Dunstable team Office about the opportunity to purchase space on notice boards to advertise the Church of England in the town. It would cost about £65 per church per annum.

 

 

21/06   Any other business

 

            There was no other notified business.

 

 

 

 

The meeting concluded with The Grace at 9.50 pm.