Annual Report of the Church Council for the year 2012
The report of the Proceedings of the PCC is as follows, with minor changes for publication online:
The PCC addressed a broad range of issues concerning the mission of the church throughout the year. These were prioritised from a list of key tasks which was somewhat daunting in view of our resources. Fundamental was the reception and discussion of a report on the fabric of the church building, a necessary part of the process of creating our strategy and vision for the future. Repair work was professionally costed in preparation for funding applications, whilst work commenced on a Church Development Plan and a Conservation Management Plan. These are major endeavours which will take some time to complete, given our somewhat stretched resources.
Some very encouraging progress was made despite the pressure on resources. Most visible is the re-opening of the Cafe as a coffee shop under the management of Emily, overseen by a small committee. This has been widely appreciated and is a real asset to the church. Prior to its opening, a number of faithful volunteers staffed the church for six months in order to keep the building open for three mornings per week. In addition, Dorothea established a Flower Team, and Simon offered to underwrite the cost of reinstalling organ pipework which was disconnected thirty years previously. Permission to do this is awaited. The new website has undergone development and expansion and is well used.
On the social and celebratory side, some members participated in aspects of the Cathedral 50th anniversary programme, whilst the congregation joined Holy Trinity for its Patronal Festival including the dedication by the Revd Canon George Warner (the previous incumbent) of the refurbished entrance porch there. Another successful All Saints' Arts Festival was held, and incorporated into the programme was the passing by of the Olympic torch; refreshments were sold to the waiting crowd. Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee was marked by a very successful tea, and the Coronation altar frontal was in use on the High Altar throughout the summer months.
Finance continued to be a major concern with expenditure kept under very careful control. Waste disposal costs were halved, and property management costs were eliminated as the management was brought in-house. A small income accrued from the coffee shop. The PCC was again provided with high quality financial information on a regular basis.
As always, church fabric matters occupied a significant amount of time.
NightLight continued to be sustained throughout the year, adapting to changing economic and social patterns by opening half an hour earlier than previously. A small informal food store for the needy was supplied through congregational giving. Work by Churches Together in Leamington to establish a Street Pastors scheme was supported. Representations were made concerning the licensing applications for two SEVs (Sexual Entertainment Venues) in the vicinity.
Alongside all of this, the routine but necessary background work continued: risk assessments, First Aid provision, updating of financial regulations, Safeguarding policy, and so on.
The PCC thanks all those whose work, skill and generosity have sustained the life of All Saints' throughout the year.
The PCC addressed a broad range of issues concerning the mission of the church throughout the year. These were prioritised from a list of key tasks which was somewhat daunting in view of our resources. Fundamental was the reception and discussion of a report on the fabric of the church building, a necessary part of the process of creating our strategy and vision for the future. Repair work was professionally costed in preparation for funding applications, whilst work commenced on a Church Development Plan and a Conservation Management Plan. These are major endeavours which will take some time to complete, given our somewhat stretched resources.
Some very encouraging progress was made despite the pressure on resources. Most visible is the re-opening of the Cafe as a coffee shop under the management of Emily, overseen by a small committee. This has been widely appreciated and is a real asset to the church. Prior to its opening, a number of faithful volunteers staffed the church for six months in order to keep the building open for three mornings per week. In addition, Dorothea established a Flower Team, and Simon offered to underwrite the cost of reinstalling organ pipework which was disconnected thirty years previously. Permission to do this is awaited. The new website has undergone development and expansion and is well used.
On the social and celebratory side, some members participated in aspects of the Cathedral 50th anniversary programme, whilst the congregation joined Holy Trinity for its Patronal Festival including the dedication by the Revd Canon George Warner (the previous incumbent) of the refurbished entrance porch there. Another successful All Saints' Arts Festival was held, and incorporated into the programme was the passing by of the Olympic torch; refreshments were sold to the waiting crowd. Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee was marked by a very successful tea, and the Coronation altar frontal was in use on the High Altar throughout the summer months.
Finance continued to be a major concern with expenditure kept under very careful control. Waste disposal costs were halved, and property management costs were eliminated as the management was brought in-house. A small income accrued from the coffee shop. The PCC was again provided with high quality financial information on a regular basis.
As always, church fabric matters occupied a significant amount of time.
NightLight continued to be sustained throughout the year, adapting to changing economic and social patterns by opening half an hour earlier than previously. A small informal food store for the needy was supplied through congregational giving. Work by Churches Together in Leamington to establish a Street Pastors scheme was supported. Representations were made concerning the licensing applications for two SEVs (Sexual Entertainment Venues) in the vicinity.
Alongside all of this, the routine but necessary background work continued: risk assessments, First Aid provision, updating of financial regulations, Safeguarding policy, and so on.
The PCC thanks all those whose work, skill and generosity have sustained the life of All Saints' throughout the year.