St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of The Parochial Church Council, held on March 12th 2019
Present: -, Rev Caroline Greenwood Chairman, Margaret Chapman, Barbara Foster, Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden), David Mann (Churchwarden), Joyce Mawer, Prue Meehan (Treasurer), Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Daniel Russell, Brian Wood.
The meeting opened with prayer
1 Apologies Margaret Robinson, John White, – St John The Evangelist, Warley
2 Declaration of members’ interests none made
3 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on January 16th 2019 were adopted, subject to the strengthening of the report on the discussion of Benefice service times (item7) to reflect the feeling of the PCC to retain the 9.30am starting time. Proposed Margaret Chapman, seconded Barbara Foster, supported unanimously.
4 Matters arising
Health and safety policy – the policy had been circulated to PCC members. It was felt that risk assessment needed to be carried out for Wednesday pm activities – Rev Greenwood to lead.
The change to 11.15am for the Sunday service at St John’s was to begin from April 28th.
Lighting – PCC expressed thanks to Barbara Robinson for her work on the new lighting. It was noted that a light in the Whitby Room still needed repair and that the external light over the North porch needed adjustment. These would be raised with the contractor.
Progress on grants – Rev Greenwood reported her on-going work on applications. Four had been submitted so far; one refused, the others asking for clarifications.
David Mann asked whether the microphones had been checked. It was agreed that training in the use of the lectern microphone was needed.
5 St John’s Items
John White had sent a written report
March 30th – a Quiet Day on the theme “The Prodigal Son” was planned at St John’s, lunch provided. Cost £5
April 13th – Holiday Club/Messy Church Event during the day for young people/families.
April 24th – Memorial service at St John’s for Graham Pearson ( Former St John’s Finance Officer ) 11 00am.
Details of Warley Community Association activities were given and would be in the next magazine
6 Clergy Items –
Progress on the Church Army Evangelist post for Aidan Greenwood was reported. He would be licensed by the Bishop of Huddersfield during a Sunday service in the near future.
Easter services – the Holy Week services were clarified: there would be a Seder meal
at St John’s on Maundy Thursday after the stripping of the church at St Hilda’s. Members of other local churches were invited to the bring and share meal. There would not be a Wednesday afternoon service.
GDPR – the Privacy Statement was now on the website and a printed copy would be put up in church.
Focus for Mission during 2019 – the Lent Course had started on March 11th with a good support from Churches Together. Different speakers would present different aspects of “The gifts of the Gospel” each week concluding on April 8th.
“Jesus-shaped People” with readings and sermons on particular themes was planned to start in September.
The PCC would be asked to focus more on Mission in the coming year.
7 Churchwardens’ Report
Organ – it was reported that the Asbestos company had replied to the letter outlining our concerns about the organ with an offer to meet to discuss it further.
The Regional Organ Advisor had been asked for his view of their response. A meeting would be arranged following his reply.
David Mann reported his concern about the potential problems with the drains. Urgent repairs to the drains inspection cover area had been carried out. David recommended that a professional company should be asked to flush out the drains because the length was too much for ordinary rods. This was agreed and two companies were suggested.
Arrangements for the APCM – the new Electoral Roll had been completed showing 45 names; The PCC expressed thanks to Brian and Margaret Chapman for all the work involved in its preparation. The reduced number meant that there would be 6 elected members of PCC instead of nine. David Mann notified the meeting that he would not be standing for re-election. He spoke of his concern for the church and the responsibilities of the post. Members thanked him for all his work over the last year. It was noted that Hilary Jamieson had completed her 6 years in office. Nominations for Churchwardens were urgently needed..
8 Treasurer’s Report
Prue Meeham presented the Annual accounts prior to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. She highlighted various aspects which she would report on at the meeting.
Acceptance of the annual accounts proposed Brian Wood, seconded Margaret Chapman, agreed unanimously. PCC expressed their thanks to Prue for her on-going work.
Mrs Meehan drew attention to a spike in water use/charges in one quarter. It was suggested that The Gathering may have held baptism(s), using an immersion tank. This was to be queried with the leaders.
9 Mara
A report, (attached to the Minutes), postponed from January, was discussed. It set out the links between St Hilda’s and various aspects of the work of Mara diocese. After discussion it was agreed that during 2019 donations should go to support the Mugumu Safe house for girls at risk of FGM.
10 Deanery Synod Report – the report was carried over to the next meeting
11 Calendar of church activities – Margaret Chapman gave notice of a street clean for April 6th Other events would be included in the magazine. PCC expressed their thanks to Margaret for all her work on the various activities she organised.
12 Any other business No further business was reported.
DTNM Tuesday April 30th 7.00pm
The meeting closed with prayer
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 