6 minutes, 15 seconds
Minutes of the Deacons’ meeting
9th September 2024
Devotions were led by Ian S
There were no apologies for absence as all were present
Minutes of the previous meeting, previously distributed, were signed as a correct record.
- Where do we go from here? Worship and faith journeys.
International Sunday was a success and enjoyed by all and it was agreed that it will be repeated next year
Harvest plans for 22nd September
Donations will be tinned food and toiletries. Food being that which can be used by Enfold or distributed there. There will be a lunch following the service. The first course will be catered for and some people will bring desserts to share.
Operation Agri will receive a monetary offering from that which is remaining after expenses at the lunch.
GB will do the display and take part in the service which will be conducted by Michelle
Homelessness Sunday Del would like to mark this occasion and will lead the service that day. The actual day is on 6th October however, BMS missionaries are visiting that day so it will be on 13th October. Michelle has confirmed that we will also have communion that day and welcome in new members.
Christianity Explored sessions are starting this week. There are people for both the Wednesday and the Friday groups and experienced people supporting each one as well.
- Sub groups of the Deacons may help to keep the meetings shorter.
There could then be a brief report back to the whole Deacons’ meeting.
A sub group to deal with the tech, website, internet, sound system etc has been formed.
The premises/property sub group is beginning too, to deal with practical jobs within the building.
- Membership Candidates
Ian & Alison, Kingsley & Joy, Del, Verity, Steve (not Dunni yet), Akua & Nana have all been visited, Chika will be visited tomorrow. These reports will go to the church meeting on 15th September.
- Pastoral updates.
Tony and Dawn are visiting Mary Boyton regularly now. Mel would like to visit people too.
Pauline will still coordinate this and keep a record so we can easily see who is not being visited.
- Enfold and the Hub
There have been stressful times in these groups lately. Amanda has asked Del for his help with this. They have agreed to lead Enfold together and Amanda will lead the Hub. Michelle will be at Enfold weekly and the Hub fortnightly. Questionnaires have gone out to guests and helpers and this week there will be a lunch and a meeting for volunteers to review this and plan.
There is a Bible slot at Enfold each week and this is going well. Encouragement is taken from those attending church on International Sunday.
There was confusion for someone who came in for the lunch and thought he was turned away. This was not the case. If people haven’t come to church but want to come in for a drink or the food then it is OK as long as they are encouraged to come to the service as well. This does build relationships with them.
- Finance
Heather presented the Finance report which is attached to these minutes.
The £32,000 spent on the Manse was essential as it had not been refurbished like this for almost 30 years. It is important to note that some of what has been done is to decrease the carbon footprint of the building.
Heather will begin the budget for next year within a month or so.
We are receiving the Home Mission Grant we were awarded. We need to consider whether or not we should be giving a part of it back.
During Covid, Tudor Trust allowed us to take some money out of the designated Enfold fund to keep the church going. We also need to consider whether or not this should be paid back to the designated fund.
- Church Premises and Manse
Shower in the ladies toilet has been repaired.
The roof in the middle bedroom at the Manse has leaked again. This is a lead valley issue and it will be repaired next week. Also there will be a small window repair.
There is a fire exit notice loose in the Welcome Hall.
There is an unclear notice in the Fellowship Hall which will be looked at.
There will be no more clothing donations as the storage room is a mess and is overfull. This can then be sorted out.
The small lounge is used by GB at times. This room need renovation.
Heather needs someone to price up the possible renovation of this room and then, as there is community use, a grant can be sought to help out.
- Communications
PABC website is now up and running in a small way. Dan’s old website is still being used but soon Ian will be able to transfer the whole thing over.
A church magazine is on its way. Verity has happily taken the role as editor of this.
We have a new WiFi that will eventually link with the Livestream and hopefully reach the other halls too.
While it is a shame that we can’t Livestream a parade service this is essential as some children who attend GB must not be photographed.
Bob has been asked to help Ian as he understands some of the wiring that may now unnecessary.
- Members meeting
This is on Sunday at 4.00 p.m. We will bring it forward to 3.00 p.m. next time but also discuss with members whether they would prefer this to be directly after church.
Reports on prospective new members will be presented.
The Finance report will be issued along with any other important information. Michelle and Karen will produce the agenda together.
- Charity Commission Training
Several of us have joined Charity Commission webinars on ‘Understanding Charity structure’ and ‘Trustee roles and responsibilities’ and ‘Protecting your charity against fraud’
- AOB
CVST Christmas Bazaar – it was agreed not to request a stall at this event this year but Michelle will attend to see if there are possibilities for subsequent years.
Christmas
Decorations will be put up and the Christmas Tree festival will begin on 30th November just before Advent starts. GB Carol Service will be on 10th December. Sunday School/Nativity service and Carols by Candlelight will be on 22nd December (we didn’t discuss Christmas morning service but we can do this at the next meeting)
Defibrillator update – we committed to help the Guides raise the funds for the upkeep of this. Ian S is leading this link up. We have missed World Heart Day this year so we may help with this next year. No upkeep will be needed this year.
Andrea and Mark Hotchkin’s visit – 6th October. They will visit to speak about their work and lead the service. They need hospitality on 5th October.
Michelle and Del will look after them for food on Sat 5th and they can stay in Heather and David’s flat.
Michelle will liaise with them.
Joan Tomlinson’s funeral
This will be on Weds 25th September. Heather is going with Michelle to visit the family as Michelle has only briefly met with Gordon when he came to church on Sunday.
Pregnancy options counselling training that Michelle is to do, has been deferred. She has to be linked to a centre which is in Chelmsford and they don’t have the availability at the moment. This will probably be in the New Year now.
Date of next meeting
14th October – Devotions Heather
