PCC minutes are posted regularly at St John's. Recently they have been posted at Park Fellowship, but are available only at service times.
To help publicise the work of the PCC and to alert members to issues that it is considering, extracts from minutes are posted on this page.
The most recent matters under consideration are at the top. Scroll down or use the navigation links to see earlier reports.
Unless otherwise stated, quotations are taken directly from the minutes.
In certain cases, amplification of the minutes has been obtained from a PCC member. Such amplifications are enclosed in square brackets.
Click on the month to go to the corresponding extracts:
2007: January, February, March, October, November, December.
2008: January, February, March, June, July, September, October, November
2009: January, February
PCC Meeting 10 February 2009
Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Sarah Auld (minutes), Rosie Ayton, Malcolm Bird, Amanda Denniss, Barbara Gardner, Mike Hancox, Mike Holt, Carolyn Howarth, Chris Howarth, Oliver Howarth, Gareth Irvine, Phil Richardson, Andrew Smith, Graham Thomas.
Apologies: Sarah O’Shaugnessy, Margaret Tsipouras.
Expenditure for the year ending December 08 may be £1,000 or £2,000 less than previously forecasted and there may be further gift aid, resulting in a surplus for the year of around £8,000 or £9,000 rather than the £3,000 originally forecast.
The income forecast for 2009 is currently about £19,000 above budgeted expenditure, based on current giving.
6. Reports:
Vicar:
(a) Peter reported from the New Year Staff Retreat and the themes of intimacy, growth, and strategic preparation. As part of the European Church Planting Initiative, we are asking the question ‘What kind of church is God calling us to be? What are things we do that we can do that we do really well, that we’re passionate about and that bears fruit?’ We think it could be expressed as DISCIPLESHIP: Encounter, Envision, Release.
(b) The licensing of Chris & Angela Howarth as Associate Lay Ministers for St Stephens’ Canley will be on Tuesday 27th Jan at 7.30pm at St Stephens’ Church. Avril Draper is moving from the children’s team at St John’s, along with her family, to start a new children’s group at St Stephen’s with Lisa (Churchwarden) from February 1st, with the support of Sarah Ashelby. Chris updated us on the already encouraging signs of growth in energy and numbers at St Stephen’s.
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PCC Meeting 13 January 2009
Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Gareth Irvine (minutes), Sarah Auld, Rosie Ayton, Barbara Gardner, Mike Hancox, Mike Holt, Carolyn Howarth, Chris Howarth, Oliver Howarth, Graham Thomas, Margaret Tsipouras.
Apologies: Malcolm Bird, Amanda Denniss, Phil Richardson, Sarah O’Shaugnessy, Andrew Smith.
Joint Family Day –We agreed to have an all church ‘Family Day’ on Sunday 14th June. It would have a mix of times for gathering for worship, meals together, games and fun. Suggested venues were schools with a pool and large meeting space - King Henry’s, Coventry Prep, Bablake. The staff team will follow this up.
Finance – The latest available report is up to the end of November, the latest forecast income for 2008 is likely to be very close to the final end of year actual income. The likely surplus of income over expenditure for 2008, due to increased giving in November and reduced expenditure, is going to be around £6000. As our target for church funds is 10-15% of annual income, this means the end of year church funds is going to be 10.5% for 2008.
The income forecast for 2009 is £218,000, which is based entirely on current giving. Current projected giving is 27% higher than the previous 12 months.
Significant increase in costs are: a full year with Amanda Denniss, a growth in budget for Park running expenses, and a provision for Student Worker costs in the second half of 2009. This would leave us a £3000 surplus for 2009, with additional pledges for new giving of £8000 on top of this.
Reports:
7. Fabric:
Significant repair is required for the nave roof. There could be quite a lot of disruption caused by the scaffolding. Consideration needs to be taken as to when the builders work so as to cause minimum disruption to the congregation.
We are due for a Quinquennial inspection.
The fans may need replacing in the Church building as the temperature has not been high enough during services even with the heating starting at 3am. The projector in the Church building will require £228 and £50 call out fee for repairs.
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PCC Meeting November 2008
Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Sarah Auld (minutes), Rosie Ayton, Malcolm Bird, Amanda Denniss, Barbara Gardner, Mike Hancox, Mike Holt, Carolyn Howarth, Chris Howarth, Oliver Howarth, Phil Richardson, Sarah O’Shaugnessy, Andrew Smith, Graham Thomas, Margaret Tsipouras.
Apologies: Gareth Irvine.
We reviewed some outline proposals suggested by Liz McNab, a Christian graphic designer.
It was suggested that the word ‘Westwood’ be changed so that the curl is removed from the ‘t’ and the ‘t’ looks like a cross.
There was a very positive response to the tree, especially if looked more like a dandelion, with ‘seeds’ ‘flying’ off the head of the dandelion.
General opinion was that the logo alone was preferred, without the field.
The cost estimate of branding £250, letter head £25, website banner £25, sign outside £25, newssheet £50 was agreed in principle.
For the website there needs to be a background for the logo. One suggestion was to have a moving image of a dandelion blowing the people out across the top of the webpage. Peter will feedback to the graphic designer, and bring further proposals to the next PCC.
5. Reports:
Vicar:
Peter reported from the Learning Community event, sponsored by the European Church Planting Initiative.
Churches which have followed through with the process have seen significant growth. Peter, Anne, Amanda and Gareth staff team attended for their first session. ECPI’s aim is to help churches achieve their vision (whatever that vision is, it is a facilitating process).
One of the first questions they ask is, - what is the thing which really expresses us as a Church? What are we best at out of all the things we do, that we really care about and see generating fruit and resources? Everyone was asked to reflect on this.
A second question was, do we have the right leaders in the right places - churches which do, do really well. Peter will visit Bob and Mary Hopkins (Anglican Church Planting) in January to talk through the way our staff team works and how well current roles fit their giftings.
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PCC Meeting 14 October 2008
Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Sarah Auld (minutes), Rosie Ayton, Malcolm Bird, Barbara Gardner, Mike Hancox, Mike Holt, Gareth Irvine, Chris Howarth, Oliver Howarth, Phil Richardson, Sarah O’Shaugnessy, Andrew Smith, Graham Thomas, Margaret Tsipouras.
(a) Park Fellowship and Westwood Church Memorandum.
A short memorandum to explain the relationship between Park Fellowship and the rest of Westwood Church, which the Diocese has asked us to write, was reviewed and approved in draft after minor amendments. It has been seen and agreed by the Park Fellowship leadership team, and will now be sent to the archdeacon for review on behalf of the bishop.
(b) Reconciliation Process
Rosie Ayton gave a report from the co-chairs (Rosie, Graham Small and Simon Lloyd) reviewing progress so far, and proposing another evening for questions, Parkinson style. This could include seminar-style communication on what is happening in various parts of the church.
The co-chairs felt that we were now in stage three of the process, and that it should no longer be called ‘reconciliation’, but something that looks forward rather than back. The intention was an ongoing process of communication within the church that would help to prevent small issues building up, and enable the whole church to appreciate and value each other’s ministry, through shared awareness of what others were doing.
The co-chairs also thought that the time had come to pass back responsibility for this process of communication and vision sharing to the PCC, and this was agreed, with much appreciation of the hard work and care given by the co-chairs.
It was also agreed that we should adopt, in some form, the proposal to combine a (prepared) question and answer session with some sharing of stories about what is taking place amongst people who belong to Westwood.
However, while in July we had felt that October or November would be a good time for this, it was now considered that it would be a better process if Amanda Denniss participated, and that this meant the evening should be postponed to early 2009. In the interim, Peter would also be available for one to one chats with any who would value this.
We would also have some written communication about developments at Park Fellowship and Canley available at the joint service on 30 November.
4. Mission Giving
It was suggested that our mission giving is hardly ‘owned’ at morning celebration and that it needs to be re-thought. This was not the fault of the mission team, because they are all at Park Fellowship, where there is a stronger involvement and understanding. Our current mission giving goes to the Hills (OMF), CORD, 40:3 Trust, Coventry City Mission, Coventry Youth For Christ, Alex and Alfredo Leon (HJB), and the Lighthouse.
It is important that the people or organisations we support will spark interest and involvement from each congregation. Peter has discussed with the mission team having two centres of mission interest, one at Park Fellowship and one at morning celebration, with the possibility of different supported organisations for each, and with just two categories of recipient, UK and overseas. This is likely to mean a budget of £10,000 for each mission centre.
Initially, the staff team at morning celebration would communicate the new arrangements there and would also give the congregation a chance to input into the selection. We would aim to have a small number of supported people or organisations, rather than a large number of small gifts.
We would also integrate ‘supported organisations’ like New Wine into the mission giving.
It was felt that the categories of 'evangelism' and 'mission' in our budget are confusing. We have had two categories because we are committed to giving 10% of our income away. If that 10% goes on mission / evangelism that we are doing directly ourselves, we are not really giving it away. So we have called giving to mission partners like Kidz Klub, where we are closely involved, ‘evangelism’ rather ‘mission’.
After debate, it was felt that we should have only one budget category for people and organisations outside Westwood church that we support, and that we should call it, ‘partners in mission’. This would include giving to partners like Kidz Klub, but we would ensure that at least 10% of our unrestricted income was genuinely given away.
Margaret Tsipouras has written to our current mission giving recipients to let them know we are re-evaluating our giving. We will phase in any changes so that no individuals who rely heavily on us are presented with a sudden end to contributions.
5. Budget
Graham presented the August accounts, and a projection and draft workings for the full year and 2009.
So far there is a forecasted income of £189K for the full year, with a surplus for the year of about £3,000, without including some promised pledges from Park Fellowship.
On a current giving basis, forecasted income for 2009 is £194K as against an initial projected requirement for £199K. This would require only a modest 2.85% increase in overall giving.
In June we had discussed a grant for John Auld as student leader. Given the current financial position, it was felt that this was achievable for the current academic year, until June, at a figure of £500 a month. John will remain a voluntary worker, not an employee. This was proposed by Margaret Tsipouras and seconded by Andrew Smith, and unanimously approved, Sarah Auld abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
Given that some Westwood members may join St Stephens Canley with Chris and Angela Howarth, we have been asked for guidance about giving. It was felt that once people considered St Stephens rather than Westwood to be ‘their’ church, then their giving should follow them. It was not expected that there would be any significant change in the current year.
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PCC Away Day 20 September 2008
Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Rosie Ayton, Sarah Auld, Barbara Gardner, Mike Hancox, Carolyn Howarth, Chris Howarth, Phil Richardson, Sarah O’Shaugnessy, Margaret Tsipouras
1. Patterns of Service at Westwood Church
We reviewed the current service pattern, and decided that no changes were appropriate for the present, with one exception.
Tom and Judy Walters had indicated that they were ready to stop the monthly mid-week service that meets in their house, partly because, as they had written to us, they need to review their commitments, and partly because it had not met its original vision in terms of outreach to their neighbours.
They had wondered, however, whether there might be someone else with the vision to take it on (for instance the Burton Green leadership team). It was felt, after prayer and discussion, that although we very much supported the original vision, there was no obvious team to continue it, and it might be that it had run its course.
Therefore, it should finish in November as originally planned, but we would reflect thereafter on whether it should continue and if so in what form.
2. 2 Follis Walk
It was unanimously resolved (proposed: Margaret Tsipouras, seconded: Rosie Ayton) that we should rent 2 Follis Walk for the Park Fellowship Associate Minister for a minimum period of twelve months at a rental of £1850 per month, of which £1,000 would be paid by the PCC and £850 by Amanda and Oliver Denniss, and that the rental agreement and other details should be agreed by the Standing Committee.
3. Pathfinder Shed
We agreed in principle to go ahead with this if planning permission can be obtained.
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Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Malcolm Bird, Barbara Gardner, Mike Hancox, Carolyn Howarth, Chris Howarth, Oliver Howarth, Phil Richardson (minutes), Margaret Tsipouras.
Apologies: Andrew Smith, Gareth Irvine, Sarah Auld, Mike Holt.
Reconciliation Process (update from Rosie)
Rosie delivered a report on the process to date.
Part 1 of Reconciliation Process consisted of smaller meetings chaired by Justin Welby.
Part 2 involved larger meetings with the expectation of respect and value expressed through attentive listening & trying to put ourselves in others' shoes.
Meetings:
09/07/07- 75 attended, 21 spoke
11/09/07- 70 attended, 30 spoke
19/11/07- 46 attended, 20 (ish) spoke
04/03/08- Parkinson-style interview of Peter given by Graham Small, with questions submitted in advance.
The main points that came out of the meetings were:
- A desire for an inclusive all-age community
- A questioning of communication/ consultation
- A picture of Jesus being the bridge.
- The verse “Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit” (Zech 4 v 6)
Outcome of PCC away day on the subject of reconciliation:
- Picture “Bridges of love and hope between you”
- Pastoral Care coordinators
- Church Party
- Testimony times during services
- Monthly evening Communion
- Desire to swing focus from the past to the future.
Rosie posed the question to the PCC: do we want more meetings and if so when?
It was agreed that we should have another meeting in October (might spill into November if we avoid half term), and possibly stop calling it 'reconciliation', instead 'communication', or similar. Aim to repeat the interview-style evening.
A further suggestion made: have people such as Sarah Auld and the Street Pastors visit Park to share with the congregation the encouraging things that they do.
PCC has to register with the charity commission, so Graham handed around a booklet on trusteeship for each PCC member. Each member also had to fill out a form, Peter and Graham nominated to complete the registration document.
Reports:- Mission: Margaret summarised mission report (available separately).
- Peter pointed out that success with the Canley Kidz Klub satellite has come following 5 or 6 years of prayer and perseverance. We do not want to communicate the idea that it all happened in November and grew instantly.
- Finance: On target. We are awaiting insurance repayment from window repair.
A suggestion was made for the Park Fellowship contributions to the budget to be displayed. This will not happen on a monthly basis, rather at planning/ vision times. - Fabric: Lead replacement done. Oliver has been tightening up the safety checking process. A quote of £400 has been given for replacing chancel lights, the outside light, and the dimmer switch replacement.
- Vicar and Standing Committee: Jenny Irvine is leaving the staff team, as she has increasingly handed over the student work to John Auld.
- 'Youth Club Shed': It has been discovered that development rights are different because we are in a Coventry green belt area. A shed will cost £2,500 (insulated, with double glazing). Building plans have been offered for free. Peter to investigate planning.
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Attending: Sarah Ashelby (item 3, children’s work), Jenny Irvine (item 3, student work).
2. Apologies
Apologies were received from Rosie Ayton, Mike Holt, Sarah O’Shaughnessy, and Graham Thomas.
3. Staffing
Children’s Leader
Sarah described her current work, and reported that schools work, lunch time clubs in Cannon Park and Burton Green schools, is going well, as is Canley Kidz Klub. She is building a schools work team, the children love to attend and they are seeing good results. Sarah would like to extend the lunch time clubs to more than one day a week. She has also started a children’s team huddle, with one person from each children’s group, and hopes to be able to delegate to and train more children’s leaders. One particular aspiration is to write some resource material for children’s groups. She is hoping for a good relationship with the Associate Minister for Park Fellowship. Sarah is also leading Pebbles, one of the children's venues at New Wine.
It had been proposed that Sarah’s hours be increased from 32 hours to 40 hours (full time), with Sarah spending five hours a week supervising the secretary and church administration, and especially, providing continuity when secretaries change. She is easily filling her time, so more hours would give freedom to build up work already there. It was felt that combining children’s work with some administration could work, with seasonal variation they can both fit around each other, but children’s work will take priority, and the administrative work load will need to be kept under review. We will not publicise Sarah’s administrative role.
Sarah then left the meeting. It was unanimously agreed that she be employed full time, as above.
Form
Only three people are currently considering FORM for next year, which means we will probably modify what we do in any case.
Secretary
Jess Tinker is leaving at the end of June to do an MA.. We have a number of possible temporary candidates. Peter is working on a job description for a permanent office administrator. It was felt that the post must be held by someone who worships at Westwood, or communication would be impossible and they would not have the right feel for the job. However, it was felt that it would be possible appoint someone who was willing to move to Westwood even if they were not currently here.
Matters Arising
Associate Minister
We agreed the following Interview Panel for the Associate Minister for Park Fellowship: Peter Findley, Ian Watson, Pete Clarke, Rosie Ayton and Debbie Rumsby.
We will plan the interview so that there can be time for the candidates to meet both staff and Park Fellowship leaders, and have a progressive meal to meet Park Fellowship members socially, as well as the formal interview.
We will also ask Park Fellowship members who increased or gave pledges to start giving now, because there will be significant initial costs such as advertising, finding accommodation, etc.. It is likely that we will rent accommodation initially, unless the successful candidate would prefer a housing allowance.
St Stephens Canley
It was noted that the Diocese has suspended the living upon Ann Newton’s retirement.
Correspondence
Tom and Judy Walters have written to say that, because of age and other commitments, they need to draw back from much of their work, but would continue the Sunday Evening Fellowship. They wondered whether the Burton Green Leadership (Alison Goodall, Barbara Gardner, Jerry Marshall) would like to take over the mid-week service. Thanks were expressed grateful for all Tom and Judy’s hard work.
The meeting closed with the Grace.
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Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Sarah Auld, Rosie Ayton, Malcolm Bird, Mike Holt, James Horn, Angela Howarth, Carolyn Howarth, Gareth Irvine, Andrew Smith, Graham Thomas.
Apologies
Received from Mike Hancox, Oliver Howarth, Margaret Tsipouras, Chris Howarth.
Associate Minister
At the Park Fellowship half night of prayer, there was a sense that ‘this is the way, walk in it’, but with also with a sense of caution- what God gives may not be everyone’s expectation. Generally, there was a feeling at Park that this is the “common sense” route at Park.
Peter will ask for financial pledges at Park on 30 March. If this is positive (Peter’s informal indicative level was £5 per person at Park per week) then the next step will be to draw up a job description, with wide consultation.
Jellytots
Jo and Gordon Wilson are moving on, therefore there is a vacuum in Jellytots leadership that could jeopardise the group's future. This is an important area of mission - on average, there are 7 or 8 non-Church mums who currently attend the group (as many as 10 some weeks).
We discussed ways of resourcing Jellytots, including publicity on Sundays.
St Stephen’s Canley
Ann Newton [Vicar of St Stephen's] is leaving in July 2008. Previous Deanery plans have included an increased role for Westwood in Canley’s future. However there is a new Bishop and Archdeacon who may have different perspectives. We are likely to be asked to help in the interregnum.
We do not expect this to affect the Diocese’s offer of an Associate Minister for Park Fellowship.
Finance
Graham Thomas reported that giving and expenditure was in line with budget forecasts.
The Statement of Financial Affairs for 2007 was approved unanimously.
The meeting closed with the Grace.
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Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Rosie Ayton, Malcolm Bird, Mike Hancox, James Horn, Carolyn Howarth, Angela Howarth, Gareth Irvine, Sarah Milner, Graham Thomas, Margaret Tsipouras.
Matters arising
Associate Minister
The proposal for an associate minister is to be presented to Park Fellowship on Sunday 24th February and on the following Sunday at Morning Celebration and Burton Green.
There will be a half night of prayer to seek God about the associate minister proposal on Thursday 6th March 2008 7.00pm – 11.00pm in the Church, which Margaret Tsipouras will lead. No Park Fellowship cells or home groups will meet that evening. Morning Celebration will also be invited.
It was agreed that the proposal should emphasise that the associate minister will be specifically there for Park Fellowship. The associate minister would be on the PCC ex officio if ordained and if not it was felt that they should be co-opted. We would also wish to co-opt Gareth Irvine, who is not eligible for re-election this year.
The Park team are happy with the financial breakdown for an associate minister and how the budget has been split, subject to an adjustment on the percentage of the children’s worker and office administration (20% rather than 25%) and some corrections by the treasurer. These were agreed in principle and Graham will provide corrected figures, which will mean that Park Fellowship start from a point of breaking even, with costs of about £33,000 per annum. John Davenport will present the financial information to Park Fellowship
We will follow this by asking Park Fellowship members for an indication of financial support for a new associate minister, by the end of March 2008.
Monthly Evening Communion
Peter and other leaders will consider how the vision for this can be explored and developed.
Mission
We considered the principles and basis for mission giving. With separate budgets, Park Fellowship and Morning Celebration could potentially support different organisations and / or approach giving differently.
At present, we define ‘mission’ giving as giving to projects beyond our own sphere, to things that we are not directly involved in. So Coventry City Mission is ‘mission’ giving, Kidz Klub Canley is ‘evangelism’ and Coventry Youth for Christ somewhere in between (though it comes under ‘mission’).
We affirmed wanting to give both to relieve poverty and for the spread of the gospel. We were less sure of wanting to give to the UK as well as overseas in both categories.
We discussed the need to for a greater sense of ownership of mission giving, particularly from Morning Celebration, which does not currently have a member on the mission team.
We considered looking for people to support who we could develop relationships with and where Westwood members could visit, we would be looking for places where God's kingdom is breaking through, where the Holy Spirit is evident, and where people were financially poor.
Fabric - A job description has been written for a church cleaner. Dan Hastings is to take on this role.
The meeting closed with the Grace.
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Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Rosie Ayton, Malcolm Bird, Mike Hancox, James Horn, Carolyn Howarth, Chris Howarth, Gareth Irvine, Sarah Milner, Graham Thomas, Margaret Tsipouras. (Peter Clarke was also in attendance for the item on staffing.)
Apologies
Received from Mike Holt, Angela Howarth, Oliver Howarth.
Minutes of Last Meeting
The December minutes were approved and signed. (Peter also confirmed that the amended November minutes circulated by e-mail for approval by PCC members were duly approved.)
Matters arising
Staffing – We have been informed by the diocese that we cannot have a curate this year.
However, we have been offered the opportunity of having an Associate Minister for a five year appointment (renewable), specifically to lead Park Fellowship. The position could be filled by either an ordained or non-ordained person.
The current full salary, NI and pension costs of an ordained person is around £32,000 p.a., which includes pension costs of £7,500. The Diocese however would subsidise these costs on a sliding scale for the five year period, giving full subsidy for years one and two, finally reducing to 10% in the fifth year. We would also have to provide accommodation, giving us annual housing costs of possibly £12,000. (If the person was not ordained, and had or wanted to buy their own house, the salary would be higher but pension costs much lower so there could be some significant saving.)
Considerable time was spent in discussion about how another minister would benefit us and especially Park Fellowship. We did not want the financial side to dominate out thinking, but to weigh what God was saying. It would be important to get the right person, with a heart for outreach as well as supporting and encouraging people in what was happening now.
It was felt that if we went ahead, the person should not be exclusively based at Park Fellowship, though they should be there most Sundays (at least three out of four) and be about 80% Park, 20% the rest of the church. This was partly so that they would be known in the rest of the church, and some might want to join them at Park Fellowship.
After a time of prayer, the PCC decided it was right to proceed to the next stage in the process which is to obtain the views of Park Fellowship members. A proposal by Margaret Tsipouras, seconded by Rosie Ayton that the PCC were in favour in principle of having an associate minister, as long as support from Park Fellowship membership was forthcoming, was carried unanimously.
In terms of finance, it was agreed that 80% of the total costs to the church would have to be met by Park Fellowship. We would create separate budget for Park Fellowship, into which all Park giving would go. Graham had done some preliminary work on this, which shows that at present, Park is about break-even. So the costs of an associate minister would need to come from increased giving. This would be made clear to Park Fellowship members, who would be asked for an indication of financial support before we went ahead.
It is planned for Peter to speak to the Park Fellowship membership about this on February 24th, following a meeting with its leadership (and a warden if available) on February 18th to discuss the presentation.
Pastoral Co-ordinators – Peter reported that Lynette Smith and Anne Thomas have agreed to head up a pastoral team which they themselves will select. Peter will have discussions with Lynette and Anne very shortly in order to begin to establish and clarify the parameters of this ministry. Lynette and Anne will be part of the staff team under the supervision of Peter.
Communication – The PCC considered points from a report by the Reconciliation Co-chairs presented by Rosie, and after discussion:
- It was agreed that the next reconciliation meeting should be in a “Parkinson” style interview, with Simon Lloyd (Reconciliation Co-chair) interviewing Peter as a dialogue covering things and issues that are important to the church and its members.
- It was agreed that the date of the next meeting will be Tuesday March 4th at 8.00pm, to be held in the church.
- We had been encouraged by the Nexus networking evening, for a wide group of leaders, which aimed to build relationships and help people share dreams and ideas across the congregations. We will consider meeting again like this, perhaps once a year.
-
We discussed suggestions by the Reconciliation Co-chairs for continuing the networking process. Peter explained the current monthly pattern of accountability groups for cluster leaders, to share vision and strategy for the church, thus encouraging a cascade effect of information to the whole body. There are also plans for all the cluster leaders and the Park team to meet together, to share vision and strategy, and be more aware of what each other are doing.
Looking ahead to 2008 – Peter reported on the staff team’s days of prayer. There had been a strong sense of God guiding us to expect more of his Holy Spirit, and of hunger for this and holiness being responses which would enable it to happen. There were a number of pictures and words which confirmed this.
Also the development of Street Pastors in Canley, and the Kids Klub satellite in Canley were thought to be important for 2008.
Finance – Graham Thomas reported that the church had around £17,000 in the bank at the end of November, and he expected that the year end would show around £14,000 in the bank after payments to the diocese were made. Also he reported that the finances were moving in the right direction, and that the current income over expenditure was approximately £3,000 per month.
Graham also reported that the Christmas Appeal raised £2,400.
The meeting closed with the Grace.
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1. Present: Peter Findley (Chair), Mike Holt, Rosie Ayton, Malcolm Bird, Mike Hancox, James Horn, Angela Howarth, Carolyn Howarth, Chris Howarth, Oliver Howarth, Gareth Irvine (Minutes), Sarah Milner, Graham Thomas, Margaret Tsipouras
The meeting opened with a passage from Isaiah 9.
4. Matters arising and previously circulated:
Pastoral Co-ordinator: Peter gave an update on the two individuals he had approached in regard to this role. One was open to this, the other had felt it not to be the right thing for them at the moment.
We hoped there would be a team, not just one or two individuals, but there was a need for one person at each main congregation to lead the team, and at present we did not have this. The role has been advertised in the news sheets and we are continuing to seek to fill it.
Reconciliation Meeting Update: There were about 50 people present at the last meeting, which is fewer than previous meetings. It was felt that for some people the process has helped unlock something, and helped them move on.
We received some suggestions from the chairs of the meeting:
- Coffee before/after FUSE
- Encourage people to tell stories about what is going on and what God is doing.
6. Reports
Vicar and Standing Committee
Cannon Park School: In order for Park Fellowship to return to the school, we need to find a trusted person to be employed by the school for caretaking duties (opening and closing up the building, setting out chairs, and cleaning the floor – salary is £30 p/w).
This was proving to be difficult.
The Order of Mission and relationship with St Thomas Church, Sheffield: Peter talked about this missional network of leaders and encouraged the PCC to look at the website www.missionorder.org . We want to encourage leaders to explore this. In March, we will have a Mission in the Workplace workshop day which will be available to everyone at both congregations, which resourced (sic) by some of the leaders who are part of TOM.
Fabric Committee
Chris Howarth gave an update on the replacement of the lead facing on the church rooms, which is in progress.
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5. Reconciliation update
Rosie Ayton as one of the co-chairs shared the suggested structure for the next open reconciliation meeting on Monday, 19th November. We want an emphasis on looking forward. The Church Wardens agreed to outline the deliberations/decisions of PCC since the last two Reconciliation meetings. There will be a slot for reactions to Bishop Colin’s visit, and an opportunity to reflect on where we are at now. In addition there will be opportunities to discuss communication issues and practical ideas for bridge building – following the prophetic word at the PCC Away Day.Pastoral Care Co-ordinator. Peter Findley has discussed the role with various people, and recommends a small team to take responsibility for co-ordination. Approval was given by PCC for Peter to follow this up with named individuals.
A proposal had been received from Mike Hancox that there should be a monthly Sunday evening communion service in the church.
After considerable debate, the overview was that there was a strong desire to take a step towards people who had been hurt by the change to the pattern of services. However it was also acknowledged that it might not bring younger and older members of Westwood together.
Peter will lead the service; preaching will be shared. Initial sung worship will be for 15-20 minutes. We want to be responsive to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The service will need members to be willing to share responsibilities for organising music, projection, ministry & hospitality.
No one who did not wish to would be pressured to attend or serve.
A proposal from Mike Hancox, seconded by Margaret Tsipouras, for a monthly evening communion to be held on the 3rd Sunday of the month, starting in January 2008, was approved with 3 abstentions and one vote against.
6. Park Fellowship Leadership Team
The nominations of Jon Davenport, Debbie Rumsby and Ann Small to join the existing Park Fellowship leadership team of Pete and Chris Clarke, and Rosie Ayton were approved. This team will be formally proposed to the Park Fellowship congregation on November 25th.
8. Reports
Churchwardens
The churchwardens reported that an issue had been raised over last year’s accounts. A church member made a gift to two individuals in financial need, through the church so that gift aid could be included. The total amount involved was £385. However, in the accounts the gift was misdescribed as a gift to a business. Since the accounts are now final, there is nothing we can do about that. The matter has been notified to the Diocese, which has advised us that accepting sums with the wish that they be passed on to people in need is legal and acceptable. The Diocese has also suggested some procedures, which we have adopted, to avoid a similar situation arising in the future.
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The meeting opened with a reminder of the word given during the Away Day:
4. Matters arising and previously circulated:
Gift to Bishop Colin – a gift of £50 will be made towards Colin’s retirement.
Gift & Thanks to Cathedral Reconciliation Team – a gift of £200 will be made, together with a letter of thanks for the time and effort contributed by Justin Welby and David Williams.
PCC Secretary – no offers have been received for this post – for the moment it will be filled on an ad hoc basis at each meeting.
Church Secretary - Jess Tinker (on Form) is willing to be acting secretary, while we continue to look for a permanent post. She will work Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Lead facing - Some of the lead facing outside the Leigh and Trinity rooms has been stolen. Oliver and Chris are investigating alternatives with the architect.
Communion Assistants – An updated list of names was approved and will be posted to the notice boards.
5. Follow-up from Away Day Overview:
- The positive and challenging word for us to be bridges, see above.
- A positive response to the idea of holding a church party.
- Great encouragement from hearing about areas where God is at work and blessing.
We had two major items to work on: A Pastoral Care Coordinator, and an All-Inclusive Service.
Pastoral Care Coordinator
The draft document for this appointment was discussed, amendments were agreed. It will be re-drafted and circulated to a wider group, including Congregation Leaders, Cluster and Cell / small group Leaders.
A new Service
We were open to and discussed at length the idea of a new, regular, all-inclusive service, but we had no clarity on a way forward for one at the moment.
Other Reconciliation matters: – the following were discussed, with next steps and agreements noted as appropriate:
- Attendance at the Fuse monthly prayer meeting will be encouraged more widely. This is a church-wide meeting, held in the main church building, in a worship context deliberately planned to be inclusive. It offers the possibility of bridge-building between groups distinguished by worship style preferences, and by age. It was noted that 7 pm was not convenient for everyone.
- We agreed to an evening before Christmas to gather all Congregation, Cluster and Cell / small group leaders for a social event, to encourage networking, and multiple inter-group bridge-building. See also next item.
- “Babette’s Feast” - Alvin and Anna Goh have given £500 as a contribution for a church party (inspired by the film, ‘Babette's Feast’), with the aim of bringing people together in a good way. The possibility of scheduling this for early January, at Westwood School, or at the Lime Tree Social Club was favourably received. [Click on this link: Babette's Feast, for a synopsis of the film]
- The Vision Document started some while ago should be considered again, especially as it gives some answers to the common “Why change?” question.
- The notes of the Reconciliation Meetings by the Westwood co-chairs will be made available to the church.
- A possible need exists for personal reconciliation for some individuals with Peter. This will probably need a third party to act as the bridge builder.
- The Reconciliation co-chairs asked the PCC for direction for future Reconciliation meetings. This needs to be on future PCC agendas.
Summary – There are a wide variety of ideas for a way forward, with progress planned on some, but not a clear unanimity for the core direction. The over-arching need for bridge building between many people and many groups is strongly accepted. This topic needs to remain on the agenda.
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PCC Meeting 10 July 2007
New web site content - A summary of contents and how to find your way around the site was handed out (the front page is not yet available). The following comments were made:
Front page - paragraph 3 to read: 'At the heart of our church are small groups (cells)....'
Banners... Park Fellowship will be able to edit their bit. If desired, we can make Park Fellowship talks be available on cassette.
Under 'Vision and Values' - first line to read our Vision is to be people who love Jesus and want to live our lives for him...
Under 'Our Values are.... Grace.': '...we can be sure we are forgiven and acceptable to him.', and under 'Kingdom': 'We expect spiritual conflict and we live in faith.'
Update on Reconciliation
The next open meeting is on September 11. The last two meetings have been difficult but worthwhile. The aim is to provide a safe climate for opinions to be expressed appropriately, and for us to learn to disagree in love. One issue which has been raised, apart from the obvious ones to do with services, is our provision for and pattern of pastoral care, and ways to affirm and carry forward Park Fellowship's ministry and mission.
Our general feeling is that most people want reconciliation. It is important to take action on pastoral care and its co-ordination. We need to find a way of expressing that we value the role of "in reach" pastoral care. We should look at how we respond to those outside the small groups who may be in need of pastoral care.
Two things have been asked for, quiet worship in the church, and everyone worshipping together. It is not obvious how we can hold these together.
Electoral Roll
There are 246 members on the electoral roll.
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1. Update on Reconciliation Working Group
(This minute is reproduced in full)
The last two meetings have been difficult, but worthwhile. The aim is to provide a safe climate for opinions to be expressed appropriately. One issue which has been raised, apart trom the obvious ones to do with services, is our provision for and pattern of pastoral care, and ways to affirm and carry forward Park Fellowship's ministry and mission.
Justin Welby is leaving in the autumn to become Dean of Liverpool Cathedral, and feels it is now time to open the meetings to any Westwood people who want to be part of a reconciliation process. Any reconciliation procedure will have some who do not want reconciliation. It is important that views of those who are positive about our current direction are also represented, and that there is some provision for trying to ensure that no one is left alone at the end of any meeting with unaddressed issues and no one to speak to.
There will be three co-chairs from the church, Graham Small, Rosie Ayton, and Simon Lloyd, who will gradually take over trom Justin.
The aim would be that after current issues have been addressed, there would be occasional meetings in the life of the church to enable the church to handle differences and conflicts, so that when a decision is made people will not feel it was made with disregard to their opinions, even if it is a decision they do not agree with.
Bishop Colin is very supportive of the process and of the vision we have as a Church. We are exploring whether it would be possible for him to come to a united service in October, perhaps at Westwood School.
We will include a brief update in the news sheet.
2. Finance
....giving has increased over £2100 per month. 90% of those who are giving are either new or have increased their giving. This means that the Parish share can be increased to the origin monthly payment. The deficit of £3500 should be made up by the end of the year. As some expenses on the budget are lower than estimated, money is being saved. At present we are £5000 per year short of breaking even. However, giving continues to grow. As income is lower than the budget, mission giving is lower. The amount agreed to is .£18,120 which is 11.1 % of current forecast.
3. Street Pastors
Street Pastors are teams that who (sic) work in partnership with neighbourhood wardens and the police. They engage with youth and other people who are around on the streets, aiming to build relationships. We have been invited to begin being involved in Canley, and to take a lead, in consultation with St. Stephen's and Canley Evangelical. Potentially, there could be a team of five or more people who would commit to going out twice a week. It is desirable to have teams which include older people. PCC Meeting 8 May 2007
(Note: there was no PCC meeting in April)
1. Proposal for a new web site
Jonathan Mascie- Taylor ..... is employed part time by the Coventry Diocese to set up a website, and has offered to design one .... using an open source package. It is a simple system and major sections like Park Fellowship will be able to manage information on their own pages. It is easy to use, has a stable base, the product will last for 3 years and can be updated regularly, new modules can be written and on-line forms can be available (for weekends away for instance). It is a communication tool within the church and a face to the outside world of our vision, values, etc. It has less features, is more efficient, and is easier to edit than the current site. It also has calendar functions, i.e. what services on a Sunday, baptisms, joint services, if we want them, and a place on the first page to open "Westwood Week". It was agreed to use this.
2. Proposals from the APCM
A list was circulated with comments made at the APCM.
.......an Annual Meeting for Park Fellowship, it was felt that the formal context of an annual meeting, with reports and budgets, etc, might not be the best way for the congregation at Park Fellowship to move forward together, to share vision and encourage each other. The current system of close relationships between the Park leadership team and small group leaders, the occasional vision Sunday, and the ready availability of the Park leaders to members of Park Fellowship was felt to be a much better basis for involvement and development. We have already agreed that PCC Minutes will be more detailed where they deal with unusually sensitive items.
A paper about the church's vision is in preparation, but it was not felt appropriate to pursue this during the current stage of the reconciliation process.
It was agreed that a new website was required (see above), which should significantly improve communication, and that a regular newsletter should not be undertaken for the present.
Comments 1 (have an evening service), 2 (have monthly joint services) and 6 (frequency of Holy Communion) are all to do with our patterns of services and will be looked at on the away day. We also need to take into consideration what is happening at Reconciliation process.
Comments 3 (that the PCC closely monitor spending each month and 5 (that we separate issues of Finance and the evening service) were both agreed with.
Comment 5 (that we look at the timing of the APCM due to the length of time the meeting took), it was proposed we begin next year at 10.00 am.
3. Finance
....the standing committee has reviewed cash flow and decreased our monthly payment to the Diocese from £5,103 to £3,600, as a short term measure given that we had monthly income of about £12,000, including tax relief, and monthly expenditure of about £14,500. Without new giving, our income might be no more than £140,000 this year instead of the £175,000 budgeted.
Unless giving increases very quickly we will need to take further action. Income is beginning to rise and expenditure is running as expected at the moment, but the question is how soon and to what extent the gap will close.
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PCC Meeting 13 March 2007
1. Communicating vision to the church
The redraft of the paper referred to in paragraph 2 of the notes on the meeting of 6 February (below) is not yet available.
It was noted that the structure and vision for the morning celebration at St John's differed from those at Park Fellowship.
Sharing was looked at in terms of Alpha courses, the Harvest Supper, the Children's Leader etc.
It was recognised that there was a need "to consider how the relationship between Park Fellowship and the rest of the church will be nurtured and grow, so the Vicar and PCC are not the only link."
The PCC considered that "real integration was likely to come through relationships rather than structures." The PCC also noted that "The Reconciliation Working Group is an important part in developing relationships."
2. Representation of Park Fellowship on the PCC
The PCC agreed to a proposal to be put to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting that would guarantee the election of at least one Park Fellowship representative a year "provided that they achieved a specified minimum number of votes." This would guarantee, when the system matured, that there would be a minimum of three (out of twelve) representatives on the PCC from Park Fellowship.
3. PCC Minutes
Following a comment received (about the brevity of PCC minutes) it was agreed to "bear the comments in mind when it came to the minuting of items which were likely to be unusually sensitive."
4. Children's Leader's contract
The PCC agreed to increase the hours of children's worker Sarah Smith to four days a week from July. It was recognised that the cost of doing this would be "more than we have at this time."
It was "felt right to trust God to supply the need, pending letting the church know of the need for £2500 per month of extra giving. This would include teaching on giving in the summer, more straight talking on money and commitment, and encouraging cells and clusters to consider/discuss the subject of giving." (Note: it was stated at the APCM on 29 April that income was currently £2500 per month below budget.)
If cash flow difficulties occurred it was agreed that the standing order to the Diocese would be reduced.
5. Cannon Park School Hall extension
If the money available to complete the extension of the hall in Cannon Park School was insufficient it was agreed in principle to hold a gift day at Park Fellowship on Pentecost Sunday.
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PCC Meeting 6 February 2007
1. The background to the reconciliation meetings under the Revd Canon Justin Welby was reported. Initially, the Bishop had asked that "this should take place as far away from the limelight as possible." However, now that the next stage had been reached, Canon Welby had agreed that "it is now appropriate to communicate it to the church generally."
A statement was agreed which could be issued to the church. (Note: this is the statement available in Cave Adullam by clicking on "Reconciliation Group" on the Cave Adullam page.)
2. A paper on "communicating vision to the church" was discussed. It was agreed that "a way to affirm what was distinctive of different parts of Westwood Church" was needed. A second draft will be considered at the next meeting.
3. A proposal received for a District Church Council for Park Fellowship was discussed. This did not receive support as "the current system was working well and .... Park Fellowship greatly appreciates and values the work of its leadership team."
4. The Treasurer reported a short term difficulty with funds. "The accounts show that forecasted figures are decreasing and it will be necessary to keep within budgets."
5. The anonymous gift of a dishwasher valued at £1700 was acknowledged.
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PCC Meeting 9 January 2007
1. The PCC had asked the City Council for permission to place a portacabin in the car park. [This was intended for use by Pathfinders because during morning services at St John's, both the Leigh and Trinity rooms are fully used by other children's groups. The foyer is used for serving breakfasts. Pathfinders have been meeting in the Vicarage but this was felt not to be a long-term solution.]
The City Council has turned down the request for a portacabin saying that "....it would have an adverse visual impact, as the whole of our site is situated on greenbelt and the church is a listed building. "
2. Children's work at Park Fellowship for an older group has been under discussion. The Associate Minister for Youth and Emerging Generations and the Children's Worker have been in discussion with the Sunday Special Leader about this.
3. Finance - The Treasurer reported that a number have significantly reduced or withdrawn their giving. Indications are that this will be between £500 and £1,000 per month. This is partly offset by increased giving from December of about £450 per month, but further may be needed to meet the budget. The Christmas project figure to date including tax is just under £2200. It was agreed to send £1000 to each of the missions now and the rest at a later date.
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