Parochial Church Council Notes

Meeting on February 4th 2009

Parochial Church Council Meeting: Wednesday 4 February 2009

Members of the PCC were pleased to hear the news of the appointment of Mrs Helen Acton, Deputy Head at Travis Infant and Nursery School, to the Headship of Hatfield Woodhouse Primary School, on the retirement of Mrs Maggie Blount at Easter. A card of congratulation was passed round to be signed by members, as was a “Get Well” card for Revd Mary Gregory.

The Standing Committee had met to discuss the scale of Architect’s fees, both in the light of work already done and for future jobs as identified in the Quinquennial Inspection Report.
It was agreed that the PCC needs to know the extent of such charges before an invoice is submitted, so that appropriate plans can be made for remuneration. Members were pleased to be informed of the generous grants agreed by the Hatfield Church Building Trust – to pay for the repair of the Church Tower and for surveys to be undertaken by the Church Architect.
HCBT has also agreed to set aside budget figures for 2009 and 2010 to enable a rolling programme of projects to be undertaken consequent to the Quinquennial Inspection.

The new Bishop Stephen of Sheffield has written to all PCCs in the Diocese asking them to write to tell him about themselves. The Ministry Team will discuss and prepare the content of our response and report back to the PCC. A Service of Welcome to the new Bishop is planned for 9th May at Sheffield Cathedral. Members heard of his wonderful Consecration Service, held at York Minster and attended by several members of the congregation.

A most enjoyable Rainbow Day of activities and workshops at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre had been shared by 7 of our young people and organised by Jonathan Newton. Comments had been very favourable and, in his absence, thanks were expressed to Jonathan for his efforts.

Finance: End of year figures have confirmed that the PCC will be unable to pay the whole of the Parish Share for 2008. Next year, the PCC is expected to pay £50,788 to the Diocese – even more than this year. It was agreed that the Treasurer will set up a Standing Order of £2,750 per month and that every attempt will be made to honour the full payment.
(Can any of our readers suggest fresh ideas to increase our fundraising amount? You already contribute so generously to our regular events, that maybe we need a one-off extravaganza!).
Collection envelopes have arrived and will be available from the table at the back of church.

The Budget figures for 2009, as presented by the Treasurer, were unanimously agreed and will appear in the Financial Report for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in April.

Fire Safety: Terry Raper, as Fire Safety Officer, presented Action in Emergency procedures and Risk Assessments for St Lawrence Church. He reported that he has been working on the guidelines since 2005, and invited comments. There will be a need to identify and train certain individuals in the congregation, who will be required to take action in an emergency.

Social Committee: Next event is the Barn Dance on 21st February.
Barrie Lister is unable to complete Open Church rotas because of the shortage of volunteers. Suggestions were made to try to accommodate this problem, particularly during the very cold months of winter. It was agreed that Sunday afternoon sessions will be suspended from the end of October until Easter, but that, during that time, the Church will remain open and accessible to visitors after the 10am services, except for the first Sunday of the month, when Baptisms are conducted. More volunteers will be sought to spread the load of keeping the church open and reduce the frequency of duties. (Can YOU help us out?)

Any Other Business: The Secretary reminded members that the Annual Report Draft must be presented to the PCC at the next meeting. Those involved in running groups for the church must submit reports to her before 25th February so that she has time to print and distribute the document. Members whose term of office expires this year were asked to let her know if they are willing to stand for re-election. Nomination Forms will be available from the table at the back of church in due course.

Next Meeting will be on Wednesday 4 March 2009
Jill McGarvie, PCC Secretary