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WONERSH  WITH  BLACKHEATH  PAROCHIAL  CHURCH  COUNCIL

 

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Selwyn Room

 on 16th May, 2007

 

Matters considered as confidential have been omitted – see published Minutes for these details.

 

      Present:  The Vicar, Ian Scott-Thompson (IST)(in the Chair), Eric Dalton (ED)(Churchwarden), Andrew Quaintance (Churchwarden), John Thompson (JT), Moira Hassall, Brenda Morley, David Merritt (DM), John Metcalfe (JM), Liz Tilley, Liz Lister (LL), Gordon Mylchreest (GM),

        Amelia Taylor (Churchwarden), Keith Bateson (KB), James Cooke (JC) and Richard Allen (RA)

 

        James Cooke  opened the meeting with a time of worship which including a reading from Romans 8. This was followed by a time of prayer.

 

 

07.26      Previous minutes

 

·        One correction was made and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved as a true record of the meeting and were signed by the chairman.

 

 

07.27      Apologies for absence

 

·        Apologies had been received from  Tony Pratt, Paul McCormick, Esther Carpenter, David Legg (DL), Paddy MacVean (PM) and Neville Hunter

 

07.27Worship and Evangelism Teams update

 

·        IST is putting together a team to advice on worship within our church. Ian is also trying to encourage more musicians to participate. RA suggested that having a worship ‘team’ could lead people to have a narrow definition of what worship is. IST described the team as people who organise the Sunday service worship and who meet to consider how worship in people lives can be enhanced. KB suggested that ‘worship team’ was probably the best name but took on board RA point about the remit being wider than Sunday services.

·        There is small evangelism team who are currently organising the Alpha course.

 

07.28      PCC Key dates

 

·        Key dates info has been distributed to PCC.

·        JM mentioned amendments to Nov 15th entry.

·        ED raised question of the bring and share lunch on July 1st. Who was bringing food? JC stated that he and Nicky would be sending out invites for their guests. KB stated that if it was adequately publicised there would be enough food. Publicity would need to make clear what type of food and how much would be expected. AT said she would co-ordinate with Molly to ensure a variety of food is available! JC mentioned limited seats at ordination and people will need to arrive early.

·        DCC meeting now 5th not 6th of July.

·        ED updated on church fete. ED and Guy Pakenham progressing. Entertainer has been booked. Home groups being asked whether they will run a stall. Info will be in news sheet.

Action – IST to inform Molly of Key dates amendments.

Action – AT to liase with Molly re bring and share lunch

 

07.29      PCC appointments

 

·        All these nominations were unanimously agreed:-

        Nomination of ED and DL as joint vice chairs -

        ………………………………     Nomination of Moira Hassall (minutes secretary)

        Nomination of Tony Pratt as PCC Treasurer

        Nomination of Doug Sudbury as Electoral Roll Officer

        Nomination of Moira Hassall and John Metcalfe to Standing Committee

Action – ED to speak to ………………………………..

 

07.30      PCC appointed trustees.

 

  • All these appointments were clarified for PCC members:-

                        School Governors: Mike Evans, Sara-Jo Gray, IST (ex-officio)

                        School House Trust: Wonersh Wardens (ex-officio), IS-T (ex-officio)

                        Church Green Trust: Wonersh Wardens (ex-officio)

                        Wonersh United Charities: IS-T

 

07.31      Ministry Team Report

 

·        JC and LT ordination on 1st July, each candidate has 2 sponsors:

                        JC sponsor are IST and ED

                        LT sponsors are KB and BW

 

07.32      Youth Team Report

 

·        Info was distributed to PCC regarding provision for children during school summer holiday.

JT raised issue of where children can go during sermon in summer services. JT suggested that children going to the vicarage was an alternative option to having a portakabin in the car park. This is subject to Ian and Jane’s approval.

JM said good Portakabins were now available. This had been researched during interregnum when the vicarage was not available.

ED felt using the vicarage may be an imposition on Ian’s family. The portakabin may be able to be used in the future for other activities e.g. stepping stones.

JT suggested we should get some quotes. Costings were queried by LL.

GM asked where cabin would be. EL suggested it would be by the railings and take up the space of 2 cars.

ED stated decision would need to be made before next PCC due to time scales.

JT suggested we could trial over summer. EL asked whether the PCC would be happy for standing committee to make decision if costings were acceptable. PCC agreed.

JC suggested planning may be an issue. JM suggested that the contractors would be able to guide us.

·        JC read a thank you from Nicky Cooke for flowers sent by PCC in recognition of her work with holiday club.

·        BM stated that simplified family communions were an excellent idea and worked very well for encourage children and helping them to understand service. Several PCC members agreed.

·        JT stated that a present has been given to Simon Smith to thank him with his work with U-Turn.

·        Reminder that CareForce worker Mimi Pachuau is due to come in September. Visas are being worked on and Jon Noble and IST are in contact with her. She will be involved in all sorts of activities not just children’s work.

Action – ED to obtain costings for portakabin and present these to standing committee

 

07.33      Blackheath Report

 

·        Blackheath report was reviewed.

·        IST reminded PCC to be aware of when faculties are needed

·        “Provisions for the Representation of the Laity” document was provided to PCC to explain relationship between Blackheath and Wonersh.

·        “Improving Reporting” document produced by AQ. This is a document for suggestion and discussion. It has not been distributed to Blackheath DCC. One of the questions discussed in the paper is whether Blackheath should keep separate accounts. AQ suggests they should be a written report provided at AGM.  KB stated that is should be part of the parish accounts and not a separate report. The implementation of the document is still for discussion

·        For information: DCC Secretary is Wendy Duncan, Treasurer David Allen, Electoral Roll Officer Alex Jones

 

07.34      Buildings Team Report

 

·        Buildings team report has been distributed to PCC.

·        JM asked for update on redecoration. IST mentioned update is contained in Buildings Team report. EL stated undertaking the work in 2 phases was more expensive. JC suggested we do it in one go next year. DM mentioned that contractor’s costs were currently rising because of new CIS tax rules. JT asked whether it was better for function of church to undertake work in 2 phases. IST and EL confirmed this was the case. EL stated that testing work has cost £1000 so far. JC questioned whether we have to pay VAT. EL said this could be investigated but felt we would be liable. DM believed this was correct. KB felt we should follow recommendation of buildings team. AQ questioned how long quote was valid for. Quote needs to be accepted within 30 days. ED mentioned we would need 2 faculties due to the timescales.

·        Proposal - The PCC agrees to proceed with redecoration work on the Lady Chapel and tower and to accept the quote from Marshels. All PCC members agree.  The PCC agrees to apply for a faculty for this work.

·        JC questioned how long this would take. IST stated that the notice needs to be posted for 4 weeks within the church and parish for objections. RA questioned whether it was a quote or estimate. PCC agreed that it was a quote.

Action – ED to inform building team of PCC decision

·        IST proposed using area outside Lady Chapel for burial of ashes. KB objected to using this area. JM mentioned this area is used for church fetes etc and we would restrict the use of the area by doing this. PCC agreed with this point. IST stated that the DAC insist the area used must be marked off, but the area needs to be easy to mow and maintain. Ways of doing this were discussed. ED suggested using another area within the graveyard. A plan for the area needs to be maintained so burial sites are known. Plaques that are currently in place may need to be moved. This may lead to complaints. IST has looked at other churches to see how memorials are put up. Plaques have been seen on perimeter walls at other churches. The wall at Wonersh was suggested but there may be an issue if it belongs to church green. If the area next to the vicarage wall is used this could be overcome. IST will continue to look at other examples. This issue is ongoing.

·        PM is still doing Lawnsmead invoicing

·        IST stated that although neighbours’ parking in Lawnsmead was an issue, we did not want to upset local residents. The possibility of putting up notices proposed by BM and was discussed but no decision was made.

·        ED mentioned that one of church green walls needs to be repaired at substantial cost. Church Green trust has looked at this and has asked local planning whether the wall by the drive can be reduced in height. An application has been made. The church wardens believe this is a good idea as it provides a better view when exciting the drive

Action – IST to continue researching ways of creating a garden of remembrance

 

07.35      Finance Team Report

 

 

·        The budget was presented to PCC for consideration. This was started by Bruce Morley and has been worked on by Tony Pratt. This document has now been passed to JM. IST stated that a budgeting process will be put together with JM looking at our priorities for the church. KB endorsed that the budgeting process should be vision lead. IST stated that we should be following God’s plan firstly and looking at the budget subsequently.

·        AQ questioned the Blackheath contribution figure. It was clarified that this was an expectation based on last years plus 10%.

·        RA asked whether actual income was on track against budget. IST clarified hat we were slightly below budget. RA asked what ministry team is doing to teach congregation about giving. JC mentioned IST recently preached on this. RA felt is should be part of regular church teaching. IST stated that it was balancing act between mentioning this issue and over emphasising the point. IST felt that regular giving should cover regular expenditure and we should raise money for specific projects. KB mentioned that this needs to be handled sensitively.

·        RA mentioned that we are a very wealthy parish and although we give some income to mission partners but that this is small proportion. IST agreed that we need to be more generous. IST suggested that we identify a particular need within Britain and bless this with our giving as well as giving to the redecoration project.

·        IST stated that if all the church members tithed 10% of the value of the state pension we would cover all our expenditure!

·        Quarterly accounting – IST and JM will present quarterly reports to PCC

·        Payroll function – Wells partnership continuing to manage this

·        Finance team is being put together. Chair person is still being discussed. JM is doing budgeting.

 

07.36   OMST Report

 

·        Report has been provided by Keith (via e–mail by Molly).

·        KB mentioned that we need to think about who could replace Pete and Debbie Thompson as mission partners. IST suggested that the best links were with people we have a personal relationship with. KB mentioned that a possibility was to make Ema and Viorel a main partner and look for another secondary partner.

·        IST mentioned that we are sending money to Craig Taylor to support him in a mission project in Mexico. IST is chasing his bank details.

·        Discussion was made as to whether papers should be distributed by e-mail or paper. Decision was made that they would come by paper. PCC members should e-mail Molly if they wish to receive them by e-mail

Action – Ian to obtain Craig Taylor’s bank details

Action - PCC to e-mail Molly if they would like papers distributed by e-mail

 

07.37               Alpha Courses progress report – IST

 

·        IST reported course is running well. 1 or 2 people have however dropped out. A course is proposed for September and the Alpha team is looking at how to publicised this and drive it forward. The current course is aimed at training leaders. KB mentioned this hasn’t been clearly expressed. IST stated that the intention was to model the course this time. GM stated that there is a national publicity drive in September e.g. Channel 4 advertising. GM stated that we could have big push and have 50 or so people on the September course but this needs organisation now and personal invites. GM emphasised it needs to be whole church enterprise. EL suggested that a babysitting facility may encourage more young couple to come forward and attend. IST said that many people have been generous with their time. IST stated that this mission is a key priority to the church.

·        RA asked what happens to people after Alpha. IST said that he would like Alpha leaders to become small group leaders. Ian mentioned the benefits to this with people already having become a cohesive group. This means we have to identify people who will lead an Alpha group and move on to be a home group leader. RA asked whether post Alpha material has been agreed upon. IST said currently there were recommendations but nothing was mandatory. IST said that some Alpha participants would want to be deputy leaders on future courses.

 

07.38   Men’s and Women’s group leaders

 

·        Both groups are currently without leaders. IST mentioned a forthcoming meeting at St Saviuors about reaching out to men.

 

07.39   Carslake Trust – 2 PCC trustees needed to serve

 

·        This is a trust set up by a legacy, with income benefiting PCC for building projects. The trust have approached the PCC and asked for them to take over the running of the trust. The 1st proposal was for the PCC to take on the role of trustees. IST suggested winding up of trust was best suggestion and transferring money to redecoration project. In order to do this 2 PCC members need to become trustees. IST asked for volunteers. KB questioned why current trustees can not wind up the trust. IST stated that this was because the current trustees wish to resign.

·        GM  and MH volunteered (providing meeting were during Monday daytime). KB suggested IST and GM ask Chris Hemsley to remain as trustee in first instance.

Action – IST to speak to Chris Hemsley

 

 

 

07.40      Correspondence

 

·        Church Green Trust – proposals for perimeter wall. This was covered under buildings agenda item.

 

07.41      Any other business

 

·        GM suggested an hour should be spend on routine items during PCC and the rest of the time dedicated to discussing growing the church and moving it forward. IST endorsed this.

 

07.42   Closing Prayers

 

 

    There being no further business the meeting closed with the Grace.

 

 

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