Minutes of the PCC for St. Andrew's
11 November 2010--Old Pound Inn snug, 7 p.m.

1.    Welcome and Prayers – Revd. Ellis. Apologies and absences: Rupert, Peter Maltby, Elaine; Linda
2.    Minutes for the previous meeting were agreed as a true copy of the proceedings
3.    Matters Arising:
    A. Gill Sims has requested organ tuning and minor repairs, but has had some trouble contacting previous repair person. David Major stated that there is £1496 in the organ fund that can only be used for the organ. Hugh mentioned that the Long Load organ may be available to a church that needs to replace its organ. Action item: John will try to find contact information for the organ repair person, and Gill will be urged to retain his services.
    B. The Sims have submitted a report to the PCC on the state of the “pious pelican”, a low-relief carving that was once on the south door of the church when this door was in use. It has been stored in the vestry for some years. It was inspected by an expert who estimated that cleaning and restoration would cost £500. John observed that would be quite a bill for the pelican. Pat moved that the PCC request that the Sims keep the sculpture in their home until the dry season in order to avoid another transition in humidity to the cold and damp of the church. Penny seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. The issue of repair and restoration will be revisited in the future.
    4.    Reports:
    * Fabric: John reported that he has signed off on the repairs. He and David Major will clear the gutters after the leaves have fallen from the trees.
    David Major has emailed the pcc a preliminary report on the English Heritage visit. A decision on funding should be forthcoming in December. If the church is successful, we could hope for £3000 to inspect the tower with a cherry picker, then £80,000 for tower repair, deemed to be the area of greater need. English Heritage’s architect was concerned about the level of damage there, but found the church architecturally interesting. Pat said she seemed positive about the church. John said St Andrews came across as a church that was loved. Pat proposed that the PCC commend David Major for his preparation of the application and for the visit of English Heritage. This was seconded and unanimously approved.
    *  Finance: David Major outlined the General Fund’s ongoing shortfall of income relative to expenses. The deficit was £3800 as of September. At the current rate, the Fund will be completely exhausted in 18 months. To offset this deficit, every member of the church would have to give, on average, £15 more per month. The Diocese will be reducing our share to them by 10%, based on our declining congregation.
    A claim of £393.40 has been submitted under the Listed Places of Worship scheme to recover the VAT paid for the church roof repair.
    The church’s funds in the CCLA account, which holds £12325.22, currently garners only 0.5% interest. A NatWest business account would get 1% interest. David Mayor moved that David Major be given the authority to keep an eye out for any significantly higher rates and go for it if the church accounts are eligible. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
    * Fundraising & Events – David Major related that calendar sales are slow this year—120 compared to 150 last year at this time. Last year we ultimately sold 208, bringing in £971. It is hoped that Linda might be able to sell more calendars to parents of children that are featured in two months. Other possible sales might be to business concerns that would send them to clients as holiday gifts and souvenirs, such as Karen’s B&B in Bere or Guy & Laura’s holiday let. We will also mention the calendar in a flyer for the holiday services, and try to sell some at Jazz Night and Bingo. Linda and friends will be doing Bingo on 11 December.
     Jazz Night: 41 tickets have been reserved (35 definite). We sold 80 tickets last year. Celia suggested we look into seating arrangements that would separate chatty tables from tables of music lovers.
  *Worship / Music/ Future services:  Remembrance Sunday will follow the pattern of previous years, including wreath-laying by Peter Maltby, Mary Lockyer, Alf, and Michael Layard. The frontal should be red.
The Carol Service will be on Dec 19th with Molly playing. We will plan a reception afterwards and ask for volunteers to make mince pies. The church will provide a wine punch. Action item: Pat to discuss with Emma Maltby.
    Lynette will play for the Christmas Eve Service. Peter Robinson from Martock will preach. Jess will give the bell-ringers’ service. Pat will not be here over Christmas
     Staffing and Pattern of Services: The Carol Service will be Dave Mayor’s last service for awhile as he will be taking a sabbatical to be more involved at the RNAS chaplaincy. Hugh said how hugely the church has appreciated what Dave has done, repaying the trust placed in him. A bit of a pioneer adventure, Dave’s ministry has yielded nothing but positive feedback from Aller and elsewhere. Hugh said the team would now invest some extra resources in Aller, in the form of Jess’ time as she is able and has the capacity. Pat and John concurred with Hugh’s appreciation of Dave’s ministry and said he would be missed. Pat, with Penny’s concurrence, said Dave had been a wonderful gift. Hugh said he offered exactly what was needed. Perhaps Dave’s stepping back would enable others to come forward.
     The PCC discussed staffing of Eucharist services. Hugh emphasized the number of communions above and beyond one (and even that could be a Team eucharist elsewhere) was up to our preferences. Pat noted that non-eucharist services are best attended. Dave noted that there were about 8 hard core attenders who would come to all services, whereas other people specialize in attending particular types of services, such as family services or Songs of Praise. Traditional language is preferred by some, but is an obstacle for others. Relationships are also important – the Bishops have direct relationships with people in the village, and this was a powerful attraction. Other priests “do a job” here – the bishops are part of the community.
     John stated he prefers communion services and loves the Book of Common Prayer, but recognizes that it frustrates people. The Common Worship service is fine. He urged not dropping a eucharist. Hugh urged the PCC to help the congregation build a relationship with Jess.
     There was discussion on flexibility on time of service. Pat noted that as creatures of habit, people get confused if the service is at different times. Fourth Sunday presents a staffing issue now as this is when the Celtic service is, although Jane Twitty is not involved in that. Evening services have some appeal as people may be more relaxed then, we can offer a glass of wine and nibbles and the priest can be present after the service and not have to speed off to another service. Dave noted that it could be an opportunity for a more contemplative service. Hugh suggested the possibility of a more mystical service with bells and incense.
    The pattern that was agreed finally is:

• 1st Sunday: Family Service, 9:30 a.m.

• 2nd Sunday: Evening Variety Service – Songs of Praise – Something out of the box – a bridge to people who like a more informal service

• 3rd Sunday: Team Eucharist

• 4th Sunday: Traditional Eucharist, 9:30 a.m.

• 5th Sunday: Evening Songs of Praise or Eucharist or Alternative Service (contrasting with 2nd Sunday service)

5.    Team Council meeting on 14 September – Celia and Dave Mayor attended.  Next meeting Date: 16 November. Rupert agreed previously that he would do this one; Pat agreed to go also.
6. All other business—It was proposed that we give Jim Slade a garden store voucher as a gift from the church. Pat seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Action item: Pat will handle.
     There was discussion of the lead theft at St. Mary’s. It was suggested that St. Andrews spray its lead with “smart water.” Action item: John will research this.
 7.     Date of next meeting – Action item: Rupert will set a date in January for this and for a subsequent meeting in March.
    The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.