St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of The Parochial Church Council, held on January 16th 2019
Present: -, Rev Caroline Greenwood Chairman, Margaret Chapman, Barbara Foster, David Mann (Churchwarden), Joyce Mawer, Prue Meehan (Treasurer), Margaret Robinson, Brian Wood.
In attendance: Brian Chapman, Electoral Roll Officer
Opening prayers
1 Apologies: Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden) Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Daniel Russell, John White, – St John The Evangelist, Warley
2 Declaration of members’ interests – no declarations
3 Minutes
The minutes of the meetings held on November 6th and December 9th 2018 were received, subject to the removal of Joyce Mawer’s name from those present at Nov 6th meeting Adoption of both sets proposed Barbara Foster, seconded Margaret Chapman – agreed
4 Matters arising
H&S policy adoption – risk assessments – Policy previously circulated
Lighting update – visit by electricians on January 9th – final quote and potential dates for work were awaited
A report on the current position with the organ was received. Prue Meehan reported that Ecclesiastical Insurance had requested a report from Mr Clough in order to consider the matter.
David Mann requested a check to ensure that the microphones covered each part of the church.
5 St John’s Items – a report was to be carried over to next meeting. There was to be a Prayer vigil on Monday Jan 21st, 2-4pm & 7.30 – 9pm.
6 New Electoral roll – Brian Chapman explained that a completely new roll was being prepared in 2019. . Anyone on the current roll who had not attended a service in the last 6 months could be removed from the list. An application form would be sent to the 20 -30 people affected, asking them to fill it in and return it by Feb 5th 2019. Official application forms would be sent out to everyone on the current roll to be returned by March 5th. No reply would mean names were removed. The Privacy Statement was circulated to members; with PCC approval a copy would be displayed the Whitby Room noticeboard Concern was expressed about names on the Prayer Board but it was agreed that the information was covered by the Privacy Statement . Thanks were given to Margaret and Brian Chapman for their work on the Roll – proposed Brian Wood, seconded David Mann, all agreed.
(Brian Chapman left the meeting)
7 Churchwardens’ Report
Review of benefice service times – a paper had been circulated. The current time of the Sunday morning service (9.30am) was preferred by the PCC: proposed David Mann, seconded Margaret Chapman, unanimously agreed. It was not felt necessary to hold a vote of the congregation. As Rev Greenwood was Chairman of both PCCs she could decide if any vote would be necessary, once St John’s PCC had discussed the proposals. This route was proposed by Prue Meehan, seconded by Margaret Chapman, and agreed.
(David Mann left the meeting)
6 Vicar’s Report
1 Proposal for benefice post of Church Army Evangelist for Aidan Greenwood (a paper setting out a draft of responsibilities had been previously circulated) – Rev Greenwood asked if there should be any additions. After discussion, Brian Wood suggested that “Pastoral Work” should be added under the section of “Support outside the Parish”. This was proposed by Prue Meehan, seconded by Margaret Chapman and agreed.
2 “Jesus-shaped people” Saturday Jan 19th St John’s 10am – 12.00 – Gordon Dey would lead. A series of talks in 5-weekly sections was to be proposed.
3 “Places of Welcome” arrangements – posters and fliers had been circulated for the Wednesday afternoon “coffee and chat” in the Whitby Room.
4 Brief review of Christmas services – Rev Greenwood felt that the Christmas service for the Scouts had been successful. She would ask if they would like an Egg Hunt at Easter. The combined service of Carols, Readings and Christingle had worked well and the Nativity had been well-received.
She suggested a joint service at Warley St John for Maundy Thursday and a service on Wednesday of Holy Week, before the coffee afternoon.
5 Progress on grant applications – three applications had been submitted, one of which had been declined.
8 APCM arrangements
Meeting date – Sunday, April 7th
PCC membership – dependent on final new Electoral Roll numbers
Members were asked to consider nominations for Churchwarden as Hilary Jamieson had served for 6 years.
9 Treasurer’s Report
Prue Meehan circulated an End of Year balance sheet and explained it. Brian Wood offered to contribute £100 to the annual grass-cutting bill. Prue Meehan reported that if we paid our Parish Share in full for 3 years the the historical debt would be written off. The council thanked her for her work.
(Barbara Foster left the meeting)
10 Mara – discussion was postponed until Barbara Robinson was present.
11 Deanery Synod Report – carried over to next meeting
12 Calendar of church activities – Margaret Chapman asked for items to go into the next magazine. Another street clean was planned; it was hoped people from the mosque would take part. A Heritage Weekend was to be planned for the summer.
13 Churches Together report
Rev Greenwood reported on a “Bring and Share” service at Warley St John, for Christian Unity week, and other services planned at local churches during that week.
Linda Maslem was leaving and moving to the Bradford area.
14 GDPR update – covered under “Privacy Statement” discussion.
15 Any other business
Margaret Robinson reported a request from Calderdale MBC to use the Whitby Room for local elections in May. This was agreed.
Brian Wood reported that Daniel and Meena Russell would like to do a presentation about the Leprosy Mission in Nepal during a Sunday service. Rev Caroline agreed to liaise with them.
DTNM – Tuesday March 12th 2019 TIME – 7pm
The meeting closed with prayer
(Thank you to Margaret Robinson for taking the Minutes of the meeting, any mistakes are mine! BJR)
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 