St Hilda`s Church Hartlepool - The Parish Church of St Hilda

St Hilda’s Church Hartlepool
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Sunday 28th April 2013
Reports
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A letter from the Rev’d Chris Collison, the parish priest Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2 013 Dear friends First of all, thank you for being part of St Hilda’s Church. It is a great privilege for Anne and myself to be in the north-­‐east with you all, and to be linked by prayer, heritage and the Celtic saints on this wind-­‐tossed headland. Thank you for the part you play in the life of the church. Whatever it is, it makes us what we are. There are many signs of spiritual growth within St Hilda’s, and they are not all to do with young people but with people of any age who are finding worship enjoyable, the church accessible, and the faith inspirational. This is the way we must continue in the coming year. A church can stagnate, it can die and it can grow. I know which kind of church I want to be part of. So let us give God all the praise, and all the thanksgiving for the gifts he has given us and the joy of being together in his love. Bishop Justin in his short time as our diocesan bishop gave us two legacies. The first was to turn upside-­‐down the notion of parishes having a ‘tax’ to pay the diocese for their vicar. Instead he encouraged each parish to be generous in its giving so that the whole diocese might flourish and grow. It is humbling to see from our annual accounts that planned giving through our envelope scheme has gone up 18% in the last year and that bankers orders have gone up 10%. This means that we have been able to be generous in our giving to the diocese. Thank you to all who have been able to give more to St Hilda’s Church this year, and through our weekly bonus-­‐ball we have also given over £1000 to Dr Isaac and his school community near Masaka, Uganda enabling them to have solar panels for more reliable daily electricity. Bishop Justin’s other legacy is to encourage us all to be much more outward-­‐looking in our life as parish churches, to embrace change and take on practical steps to increase our congregation numbers and share our faith. Bishop Mark came to Hartlepool in March and m et with people from every parish. It was an enjoyable day at St Hild’s School, and we were all made to think about our churches and our own faith. A training day like that is wasted if we do not respond. Over the coming year, I hope we will. Here are a few thoughts out of that day about how we m ight grow: 1
We need to learn how to invite as well as welcome people. Most parishes think they are good at welcoming, but often it is about welcoming people who are like us. But we are called to be a community that invites anyone to walk with us. I have heard from two young mothers recently who came to 2
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services in St Hilda’s and were surprised and delighted that they enjoyed it so much! So I have encouraged them to come again. But I cannot invite everyone. But you can invite people you know. It really puts your faith on the line when you invite to church people you work with or who are your neighbours. We need to make less assumptions about people. As the Church of England has been the church of the English people for centuries, we tend to think that being a Christian and going to church is in everyone’s DNA. But that is no longer the case, if it ever was. About 60% of the population have no idea about the church or its message. So we have to work out ways of talking about our faith with each other before gaining confidence to share our faith with others. We need to re-­‐imagine how stipendiary ministry can work. With just a half-­‐
time priest, we are actually in an amazing place where we have ‘three for the price of half,’ as Verity said last year. But that means we must enable people to find their own ministry. That is beginning to happen, so encouraging each other to recognise their gifts and exercise a ministry is vital if our church is to be allowed to grow. We need to come to church expectantly. William Carey, the great Baptist missionary, once said, ‘Attempt great things for God. Expect great things from God.’ In the next few weeks, a transformation will take place in St Hilda’s Church, as the pews are removed and new chairs come in, as the heating improves and the floor becomes a feature. It will mean a time of experimenting, as we work out what is best for any service. We have already begun to use the church building more creatively, for our ancient space needs to grow and thrive as a place of holiness and prayer, of hospitality and the arts. We will need care and prayer and skill to do this – and lots of imagination. Come to church expecting God to transform us. Last of all, and most important, seek the Lord. Let his life breathe in you so that when you come to church, you come to pray, to listen to God, to learn what he wants you do. Brother Roger, founder of the Taize Community said, ‘When the churches are praying churches, the people will come running.’ If people sense we only want them for their money or to fill our seats or to keep up our visitor numbers or to help us keep busy, they will not need to return. If we are praying, we are also learning how to love. So as we move into a new season of chairs and warmth, do not be lulled into thinking that people will come running. We will need to come in more expectantly, more 3
in awe and wonder, more to see Jesus and learn from him. How will we pray? By becoming quieter once we are in our chairs to worship, to end our chatter at the rood screen, to open our hearts and lives to God in the worship, to let God be a space around us and within us that hushes us and helps us trust and not to be afraid. Do you believe God has good purposes for us? Do you think in this secular age where so many have never heard about Jesus that God has finished with us? Or do you believe that God has great plans for us – as we trust him and walk with him? Take these words to heart: ‘”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’ (Jeremiah 29.11) Let us strive for unity and harmony in our work together with and for the Lord, and let us see our great church thrive and flourish in the coming year. To God be the glory! Chris Collison CHURCHWARDENS REPORT We have had an extremely busy and varied year. The regular weekly/monthly pattern of worship has been maintained alongside special services celebrating Christian Festivals. Our Church has also provided regular baptism, wedding and funeral services. We thank our clergy, Chris and Verity and those in positions of ministry, Stewart, Anne and Dorothy. A key element of our mission is to provide hospitality. The Church opened throughout the year on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for visitors. We have had many visitors to the Church from all over the World. For some it is a return to the place of marriage or baptism. In some cases the tracing of long lost roots, in some cases visiting a beautiful and impressive building. Examples include the person who drove the last trolley bus in old Hartlepool and is now living in Australia, a group of Chinese seafarers brought in by Chris following a ship visit, a couple of lecturers from Munich University, experts on runic writing, who were attending a conference at Durham University and found the time to view our Saxon pillow stone and Kelsey Grammer (Frasier). At times it has been difficult to keep the church open as the number of volunteers continues to fall, putting pressure on those left. This was particularly noticeable at Christmas. We ask that if it is possible could you offer to help for a couple of hours per month. The rota is on the notice board. Any help is greatly appreciated. 4
We are proud in providing an excellent variety of refreshments which complemented organised events. They ranged from a simple tea/coffee/biscuits to cream teas, afternoon teas, high teas, finger buffets, light suppers and hot meals (particularly during Carnival Saturday). A highlight of the year was the Seder Meal. Visits w ere arranged for retired NHS and M & S staff, Mothers’ Unions and The Historic Churches Trust. Our concert programme usually was complemented by a mouth-­‐watering meal culminating in the Last Night of the Proms, acknowledged across Hartlepool. Grateful recognition is given to the loyal and dedicated volunteers without whom we could not provide this hospitality. The local community has also benefitted from monthly coffee mornings and our thanks go to the organisers. Excellent speakers have included Christopher Wardale with his brilliant interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel and Chris Eddowes’ thought provoking presentation on world poverty. Young people are seen as the future of St. Hilda’s and we encouraged their presence in Church and participation in all aspects of our worship – they included the Brigades, SHYP, Sunday Monkeys, LOGOS, Celebrate and special services such as Christingle. Of increasing importance is our work with local schools. This year St. Helens, Springwell, Throston, Clavering and St. Theresa’s have all participated in activities here, including worship. English Martyr’s appreciate our church as a venue for their Carol Service and Year 11 Christmas Worship. We have encouraged close links to St Hild’s School through Chris and Beth. We aim to reach out into the community. As mentioned we have close links to our local primary and secondary schools. Worship has been provided at Anchor Court, Admiral Court and Sheraton Court, Home Communion to all in need who ask. Morning prayers are said for those in need and thanksgiving for blessings received. Candles are lit regularly. The annual bazaar was held in the Borough Hall with great success. Further afield we have begun to explore Celtic Christianity with visits to Escomb Church and a Holy Island retreat. A patronal visit w as organised to Whitby and a social trip to Castle Howard. Through Chris, we have maintained close links with The Mission to Seafarers. Regular Communion Services were held in the Chapel and a quiet day took place at Greatham. Sea Sunday was celebrated at The Highlight and The Trincomalee in memory of those lost at sea. A St. Nicholas’s Day Service brought together members of our congregation with staff and volunteers from the centre. Regarding the fabric of the building, we know that the maintenance of ‘an Old Lady’ sets a challenge for us. An Archdeacon's inspection has taken place, where he w as satisfied with almost everything. Regular maintenance included a full service for the boilers by a new firm. Since then, there have been no problems with pilot lights going out, etc. Gutters were cleaned and repainted by George Wood. Drains and the alarm were serviced on annual contracts. 5
Vestry re-­‐ordering has begun with the replacement of the old, inconvenient wardrobe, and will continue soon with the re-­‐positioning of the safes and provision of new work surfaces. During a storm on the Tuesday of Holy Week 2012 a clerestory window was blown in. We are grateful to George Wood for the repair, begun while the storm was still raging. This temporary repair will last until the clerestory windows are restored. George said he will always remember struggling with the broken window frame at the top of his ladder while the choir rehearsed the Hallelujah Chorus in church. The process of obtaining permission for under floor heating and new seating was begun. Opinions were aired at a public meeting. Unfortunately, the process stalled because of the personal circumstances of the architect, but things appear to be on track for this work to be undertaken in the very near future. A faculty has been obtained and it is anticipated that the work will begin shortly after Easter. The second electronic scan of the tower has been completed, and we await the analysis of the results by a structural engineer and the architect. A quinquennial inspection is now overdue, and we look forward to making suitable arrangements for this soon. The beauty of ‘This Old Lady’ was enhanced by the magnificent floral arrangements throughout the year, excelling at Christmas and Easter. Thank you ladies. Finally a big thank you to Chris and Anne for their tremendous hard work, dedication, drive and leadership. Tony Metcalfe Ian Pounder 6
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) REPORT St Hilda’s church is situated on the Headland, Hartlepool. It is part o f the Diocese of Durham within the Church of England .The correspondence address for the Church is St Hilda’s Rectory, Church Close, Hartlepool TS24 OPW. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION PCC Members who have served from 1st January 2012 until the date of approval of this report: PRIEST IN CHARGE The Reverend Christopher Collison (ex-­‐officio) ASSOCIATE PRIEST The Reverend Verity Brown (ex-­‐officio) READER Stewart Burton (ex-­‐officio) CHURCHWARDENS Anthony Metcalfe from APCM 2012 Ian Pounder from APCM 2010 (Appointed Vice Chair APCM 2012 – APCM 2013) REPRESENTATIVES ON DEANERY SYNOD Stewart Burton Deanery Synod Representative on Diocesan Synod Anne Collison Appointed APCM April 2011-­‐ Parish Children’s W orker Shane Moore Appointed APCM April 2011 Beth Hawkridge Appointed June 2012 (Child Protection Officer) LAY REPRESENTATIVES -­‐ APPOINTED A PCM 2012 Ann Turner (Appointed Secretary APCM 2012-­‐ APCM 2013) Ada Cambridge (Appointed Deputy Warden APCM 2012 -­‐ APCM 2013) Ana Bates Mark Craggs 7
Jeanette Purnell (Appointed Treasurer APCM 2012-­‐ APCM 2013) Margaret Mitchell (Appointed Deputy W arden APCM 2012-­‐ APCM 2013) Sylvia Robson Ian Snowdon STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The method of appointing PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC. The role of the PCC is to cooperate with the Priest in Charge in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. To consider and discuss matters concerning the Church of England or any other matters of religious or public interest, to make known and put in place any provisions made by the diocesan synod and deanery synod give advise to the d iocesan synod and deanery synod and raise such maters with them which the PCC thinks appropriate. REVIEW OF THE YEAR The PCC of St Hilda’s church has held nine meetings from January to December 2012; the PCC has continued to meet on three further occasions prior to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2013. All meetings of the PCC have been well attended. The Standing and Finance Committee membership includes Reverend Christopher, Reverend Verity, Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary and Stewart Burton. The Committee met on seven occasions up to December 2012 and has met on a further occasion prior to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. The role of the Committee is to consider matters including the fabric of the building and finance and other matters referred by the PCC. The Committee has continued to carefully monitor the church finances and the fabric of the building particularly (in light of the replacement of the pews and installation of the heating system) and some time spent in ensuring that all relevant documentation and reports and finance were in place as part of the faculty process. The Committee also spent some time on further works concerning the fabric of the church. The PCC continues to explore a vision for St Hilda’s and some PCC members have attended courses and meetings around “Back to Church Sunday” and recently the Deanery Development Day on “Going for Growth”. The PCC also responded to a 8
deanery questionnaire ”Know your Deanery“ which explored our communities and gathered information about our church and our vision. The PCC continues to give consideration to an increasing number of requests from groups wishing to visit the church or hold concerts and services .The Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen have, for the second year running, held drop-­‐in sessions in the church and the congregation continues its support to the Mission to Seafarers by donating gifts for seafarers at Christmas. Congregation members have more recently been attending services at the Seafarers’ Centre and have been joined on occasions by seafarers in port at the time. The congregation has also supported Dr Isaac’s work in Uganda. The church continues to support the Heritage Open Weekend and Northumbrian Historic Church Trust Steeplechase in September. In the summer the church celebrated the Diamond Jubilee and New Testament Bibles were distributed to pupils at St Helen’s School and to congregation members. The church also hosted the RF Oakes memorial service in the autumn and more recently a civic service on behalf of the chair of Hartlepool Borough Council in support of our communities and charities across the town. Some of the main highlights for the year included the very successful Headland Proms, church bazaar and a very enjoyable Christmas tree festival when the parish diary was full of activities, concerts and Christmas services. In November the congregation once again took part in a patronal visit to Whitby when we were again joined by some of the congregation from Holy Trinity church West View. The festival was also celebrated in church when Archdeacon Ian Jagger preached. Ann Turner FINANCE REPORT This year’s report gives reason for both encouragement and concern: •
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Regular service contributions – these continue to decrease which could possibly be due to the economy; however, the giving via planned giving and Gift Aid envelopes has increased. It is more probable that donations are being made in different way allowing us to claim back the tax and therefore increase the church’s income. We have still to receive the tax back for 2012 that John Hogg is in the process of applying for. There is an extra £795 to be added onto the fees that was received after the cut off. We had the income released from the sale of St Andrew’s church. This came 9
to a total of £25055 that will be utilised for the new under floor heating and seating. • Unavoidable payments -­‐ parish share (£17976) and insurance (£9110) -­‐ were paid in full. • Income from the bazaar was down on last year but the concerts and coffee mornings/teas continue to be a good source of income. Looking ahead, please do consider joining the planned giving scheme through the weekly St Hilda’s envelopes or by bankers order. This is a fantastic and predictable source of income for the church. Details are available from John Hogg via church or on 277022. Also, if you are able, please use the Gift Aid envelope which means for every £10 given the church actually gets £12.50 as we can claim back the tax paid by the donor on the donation. I will be standing down as treasurer at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Jeanette Purnell PLANNED GIVING REPORT It is very fortunate that St Hilda’s congregation has been able and prepared to raise the level of its Planned Giving for another year and the number of donors has again increased. 2012 Difference from 2011 St Hilda’s Envelopes £15,783.95 + 18 % Bankers Orders £3,521.00 + 10 % Total £19,304.95 + 17 % Donors 86 + 3 Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, I was not able to reclaim Gift Aid for the tax year 2011-­‐2012 in time for inclusion in this year’s accounts. However, this is now in hand and more efficient procedures for recovery of tax are about to be introduced by HMRC. If you are not yet a member of St Hilda’s Planned Giving arrangements but would like further details, do please contact me. John Hogg 10
DEANERY SYNOD REPORT Under the leadership of Rev’d Chris as Area Dean and Anne Johnson from Hart as Lay Chair for another year, Deanery Synod have focused on two major items during the year. The first is to do with a w hole new approach in how parishes think about and pay their Parish Share (their contribution to the mission and ministry of Durham Diocese). In the past parishes have been given a set allocation based on a number of factors which is allowed to move each year by a certain percentage but this year Bishop Justin introduced the diocese to a new approach. This is that each parish makes an offer of an amount they are willing and able to pay (which can be no less in most circumstances than the amount paid in 2011). This is to engender a sprit of generosity in giving and to make full payment more likely as the amount is set by the parish themselves rather than being allocated to them. It is early days yet to see whether this makes a real difference to the overall % of parish share paid but the signs are positive. St Hilda’s, as always, takes full payment of our Parish Share as a very serious commitment and again we paid our share in full in 2012. The second item we spent a lot of time reflecting on is the need to re-­‐draw the Deanery Plan given things have changed a lot in the deanery since the last one was completed back in 2010. This is still very much in its early days but Synod is very much hoping that whatever shape this takes it w ill be d eveloped and owned by the parishes so that we can all move into the future together, supporting each other and striving for the same goal to ensure that our w ork in God’s name across the town is wide-­‐reaching effective. Rev’d Chris is standing down as Area Dean at the end of April to allow a greater focus on his work at St Hilda’s and the Mission to Seafarers and we place on record our thanks and appreciation for the hard work, challenging honesty and sense of humour displayed by Rev’d Chris in that role over the last couple of years. Anne Collison Beth Hawkridge Shane Moore Stewart Burton 11
PARISH CHILDREN’S WORKER REPORT Here is a glimpse of some of the things I get up to, on your behalf, as your Honorary children’s worker: • The Brigades –have their own reports but I enjoy being their lay chaplain. I lead the Anchor Boys (5-­‐8’s) on a W ednesday evening, and am grateful for Ana’s help in recent months. Highlights for me this year w ere the Olympic theme, and surprisingly good weather, at Camp and rediscovering the joy of board games w ith some of the boys! • Sunday Monkeys –have a small, committed, core group of children and others that visit occasionally. We have a lot of fun and often make a lot of noise! Their W aterAid Christmas Tree raised £100 to help children have clean water & toilets. My thanks to Ana, Sylvia and Michelle who regularly join in the organised chaos. • SHYP (St. Hilda’s Young People) – now meets weekly at the Baptist Church (with BYP) for an hour and a half of games, challenges, reflection and discussion. The leadership is shared with members of the Baptist church and numbers are growing steadily. Thanks to Beth for an endless supply of Icebreaker games to get us going! •
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Logos – the young people’s singing group has been involved in several events over the year, including in a serving role at the Seder Meal. A new development has been to have Sally and Andrew accompany us on their guitars. Logos along with Sunday Monkeys, Anchor Boys and puppeteers made up the cast for our Christmas Nativity play based on the “The Hoity Toity Angel” story. Thanks to Verity, Beth and Ian for their leadership. Celebrate! -­‐ our bi-­‐monthly ‘hands-­‐on’ afternoon of fun and worship for children, families and the young at heart! Last year we followed the theme of the ‘I am…’ sayings of Jesus, complete with some amazing ‘science’ extras! 2013 has the theme of Bible Heroes with a character from the Old and New Testament each time. Abraham and Paul started us off, closely followed by Moses and John the Baptist! Celebrate! is a 12
great opportunity to encourage ‘church children’, from across Hartlepool, and also reaches out to children and families in our own community. I am aware that Celebrate! demands a huge commitment from St. Hilda’s folk and I cannot thank enough everyone who helps out in whatever way. You know w ho you are – you are being ‘Good News’ in this place -­‐ Thank you! •
Links with St. Helen’s Primary School – I continue to be a community Governor, take weekly Assemblies, and help out with RE and School visits. Classes occasionally visit St. Hilda’s as a link to the curriculum and the whole school comes along for services. The Christmas service was again held in school, due to the icy conditions, but was a lovely occasion as the Christmas Postman delivered her messages to build up the Christmas story. Churches Together continue to provide a group of volunteers who listen to children read and are greatly appreciated. Small links are also being developed with St. Bega’s where I now occasionally lead whole school assemblies. •
Visits from other schools to St. Hilda’s – St. Hilda’s is a great resource for schools in the area. Several schools have visited over the year and I have been privileged to be part of the team that welcome them. A series of ‘milestone’ visits from Springwell school saw us exploring baptism, marriage and funerals and led to me being invited to lead assemblies in the school. A new venture this term has been to develop the Holy Week Experience to link to the new RE Curriculum. This involves us setting up 6 story-­‐
telling stations around the church which groups of children visit in a mixed up order and then come together again to ‘put the story in the right order’. Huge thanks are due to all who help out with school visits – you are all stars! Anne Collison 13
GIRLS’ BRIGADE REPORT We’ve had a wonderful anniversary year. Beginning with our 90th service here in Church. It was a great day with lots of former members joining us and enjoying the hospitality on o ffer. Our thanks go to all who helped to make the day special. Camp was also good with the Olympics as our theme. We had very good weather after all the rain w e had had. Thanks to the Boys’ Brigade for fixing up a television so we could watch the opening ceremony even if it was very cold! During the year we have had 2 trips to Sunderland Empire to see South Pacific and Dirty Dancing. We have many mams and grans joining us on these trips so we try to please everyone. The company is thriving with lots of new young members this year and our senior section is the largest ever with 18 members. Janet Siddell is training to become an Officer and should be commissioned during this year. 5 girls attended leadership training so we may have more girls taking Officer training in future. Even if they don’t continue with G.B. these training days give them much confidence for their future life. Our seniors and Officers took part in a ‘Bag Pack’ in ASDA in November. It was great! 3 hours have never passed so quickly and we raised £260. Thank you to any of you who supported us. We will be celebrating Girls’ Brigade International 120years this year. On May 12th we are having a parade and service at St. Hilda’s Church at 2pm. when we will be joined by companies in the North Tees District. The Boys’ Brigade band has agreed to play for us and the boys will be joining us too. It should be a good service so please come along as there will be former members from other companies coming too. The Officers and I thank Chris, Anne, Verity and all the congregation for the support, prayers and encouragement we receive throughout the year. Ana Bates BOYS’ BRIGADE REPORT We are currently running with 30+ boys which is a slight drop on last years figures. We have been looking for more helpers and Steven, one of the boys parents, has begun to help us at the moment and Ana from girls brigade is helping in anchor boys. This has been a great help, thank you to both of you for 14
your assistance. Badge work is progressing and is almost finished this for this year. We have had lots of fun activities, including the chance to do fencing with both Junior and Company section with the instructors in the headland sports hall. Camp was very successful. We took 10 junior section and 10 company section. We took the company section back to flamingo land this year at camp. Other trips were to Scarborough and swimming at York. This year we managed to get a expedition team together to take part in the Cleveland hike. This is a 35 mile hike over 2 days were you have to carry everything you need. An expedition team is under 13’s been escorted by adults as a non competitive team. We had 1 boy and a girl from girls brigade taking part along with 2 boys brigade officers and they d id fantastically well. A big well done to all. We have taking part in battalion activities again this year, w ith our junior section winning the uni-­‐hoc competition. In the football we were not so lucky. Our anchor boy section w ent to the anchor boy fun night at St Matthews hall. It was a crazy night with 40ish boys doing various races. We are looking to increase our age range to be able to take boys from age 4. Unfortunately the training for this was cancelled but we hope to be able to book onto another course before September and begin to take younger members in the new school year. If you know of anyone that may be interested in any of the age groups please let them or us know as it is always good to have new members. Mark Craggs AUTHORISED PASTORAL ASSISTANT (APA) REPORT The pastoral team’s work continues within the life of the parish. Home Communion continues to be taken to those parishioners who find it difficult to come to Church. Please let us know of any people who you feel would like to receive Communion in their own homes. The monthly services at Admiral Court continue to go well and are appreciated both by the residents and the staff and our thanks are extended to Reverend Michael Unwin who recently stepped down from taking the services with us and to Reverend Chris who now joins us at the services. We once again held a Carol Service at the December monthly Service and it was lovely to see some more of our church family there w ith us. Again Ian came along plus his electric Piano and provided music for our carol singing. 15
Rev. Chris. Anne Collison and myself have introduced some changes to the Baptism process and as to when we hold Baptism Services. Bibles are now presented to the baptised children and a blessing is given in the 1 0.30am services to parents and young children who are to be baptised in the Church .We are also developing the role of a Baptismal Friend who will get to know their appointed family. In order to keep our prayer list up to date the congregation is now advised to inform me if anyone is in need of our prayers or whether someone needs to come off the list I would like to thank everyone already helping with the Pastoral Care in the parish including those who provide lifts to and from Church to the infirmed and to some of our more senior members of the congregation. May I also ask everyone to continue telling us about people who may need someone to visit them. Dorothy Kitching MUSIC REPORT We have continued to use a range of music in services, from the traditional to more recent material from sources including our present hymnbook and the newer “Sing Praise”. The Choir and Logos have continued at the same strength; new recruits to both are always welcome! Special events at which we were joined by singers from other churches included Cross of Christ (Good Friday), The Word Revealed (a celebration of the King James Bible in June) and the Headland Carol Service. We had more concerts than ever; both as stand-­‐alone events and as part of our Headland Proms series, and we thank all the performers for their contributions. Ticket sales have made a welcome contribution to church funds. The organ and grand piano give excellent service, and other than occasional tunings have required no attention. Many thanks to John Hogg who plays on the several occasions when I am not available, to Anne, Beth and Verity for their help with Logos, to the “refreshments team” at concerts, and to all who have taken part in music making and in supporting events. Ian Pounder SAFE AND SECURE REPORT There have been no child protection issues in church. A copy of the child protection policy is on display in church. Beth Hawkridge