St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of The Parochial Church Council, held on May 7th 2019
Present: -, Rev Caroline Greenwood Chairman,, Barbara Foster, Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden), David Mann, Joyce Mawer, (Treasurer), Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Daniel Russell, Brian Wood.
In attendance:- Rev Martin Russell
The meeting opened with prayer
1 Apologies: Margaret Chapman Prue Meehan Margaret Robinson, John White, – St John The Evangelist, Warley
2 Declaration of members’ interest – none made
3 Appointment of PCC Officers
Vice Chair – Hilary Jamieson, Secretary – Barbara Robinson, Treasurer – Prue Meehan
all willing to continue in roles. Disabilities Officer – nominated Aidan Greenwood for Benefice, proposed by Joyce Mawer, seconded by Brian Wood, accepted unanimously.
It was understood that John White would continue as St Johns’ Observer. No nominations for Youth Officer post were made. Aileen Atkinson was to continue as Churches Together representative.
4 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on March 12th 2019 were approved. Proposed – Brian Wood Seconded – Hilary Jamieson.
5 Matters arising
H&S policy adoption risk assessments update – assessments were still outstanding
Lighting update – Whitby Room light repaired 16/4/19, no change was made to the North door outside light.
Water consumption increase remained unexplained – possibly tap left running.
The “Prodigal Son” day at St John’s had been appreciated and a similar event was planned for November. Various suggestions for a Retreat venue were suggested.
The recent street clean had been effective and well supported.
Concerns about the effectiveness of the microphones persisted.
6 St John’s Items
John White had submitted a written report. Easter services had been well attended; a new internal noticeboard would record assistant ministers who had served at St John’s; eleven members expected to attend a diocesan workshop on Mental Health in June; a Diocesan Pastoral Assistant course was being hosted as part of preparation for authorisation of Lay Pastoral Assistants in participating parishes.
7 Vicar’s Report
Lent course and Easter services review – The Lent course had had a good response. from local churches. Rev Greenwood thanked people who had helped to set up and cater. The Palm Sunday service and Seder Meal received mixed comments.
“Jesus-Shaped People” planning – ministry team meeting July 3rd. Gordon Dey briefing to congregation, Wednesday June 19th.
Mission activity – Rev Greenwood reported that she had made contact with Warley Road school and VerDeGris about plans for a Heritage event. There was to be a Memories afternoon on July 20th. The local Heritage weekend was to be on Sept 21st /22nd
Rev Martin Russell gave information about an “Our Prayer” initiative from Mirfield and asked whether St Hilda’s would like to join in. It involved a programme of daily prayer for a month, a booklet of prayers could be provided. It was agreed that this would be a useful activity.
8 GDPR update – the Privacy Policy was now on the St Hilda’s website.
9 Treasurer’s Report
Prue Meehan had provided a written report. Balances at 30/4/2019:
Prayer Fund – £5180; Float – £4500; Free for general use – £600.
It was reported that Meena and Daniel Russell would like to attend the next “Leading us into growth” conference. It was proposed that the cost of £150/church should be met by by Hilda’s. Proposed Hilary Jamieson seconded Barbara Foster unanimously agreed.
10 Churchwardens’ Report
David Mann showed members the broken handle of the North door and suggested he buya suitable replacement. This was approved. He also reported that it was proving difficult to get a costing for a survey/repair of the external drains. The Whitby Room boiler was to be serviced at a cost of £62.
A report of a meeting with the Asbestos company representative about the damaged organ was received. There had been no contact since the undertaking to discuss the problem with his directors.
It was noted that a small number the congregation had commented on the length of some of the regular items in the recent magazine. There was general agreement that Margaret Chapman produced and informative and entertaining magazine each month and members congratulated her on the hard work involved.
11 Deanery Synod Report
Barbara Foster had written a report in the April magazine. There had been discussion about Churches Together groups and the potential for cooperative evangelism. The Area Dean had outlined the bishop’s plan to reduce the current eight deaneries to three. It was not clear what this would mean.
12 Calendar of church activities – Support for the forthcoming play “the Last Memory” was encouraged; Pentecost Praise, with the Benefice Band, would be at St Hilda’s on June 11th.
13 Mara – it was noted that £180 had been raised for Mugumu Safe House during Lent. A Coffee morning, also for the Safe House would be help on June 15th.
14 Churches Together – the West View Park event planning was continuing.
15 Any other business
Barbara Foster requested that the Whitby Room be cleared routinely after coffee on a Sunday morning. Prue Meehan had discussed the fixing of notices on the South door with the Pre-School manager. It was suggested that they could provide a cork noticeboard in the porch, which could be removed daily to avoid vandalism.
Rev Greenwood reported that there were currently two candidates for Confirmation.
She also reported that eight grant applications had been submitted with one refusal. Information was passed to Barbara Robinson to follow up.
16 Date & time of next meeting – Tuesday July 2nd 7pm
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 