A.P.C.M.
Archive
A.P.C.M.2006: Saint George came too!
Monday,
April 24th,
2006 was marked by the blessing of our new statue of Saint
George, Patron of England, during a service to mark his day. As in
recent years, the
service was followed by our
Annual Parochial Church
Meeting.
Chairman's
Report
I would like to begin my report by firstly pausing for a moment to
remember those of our church family who have passed away since the last
APCM - Gordon Slater, John Goodwin and Betty Winsor. We thank God for
their fellowship in the household of faith and pray that they may rest
in peace.
Like many other churches in this Diocese and throughout the Church of
England we face challenging times.
I hear so many people saying that the Church of England is in a mess
and that it is all falling apart at the seems. Certainly that is the
way some people choose to look at it. However, most of the time I spend
with people leads me to believe otherwise. Most of the people I come
into contact with during the week aren’t regular members of the church;
yet the church provides for them and we must never overlook that fact
and privilege. The real needs of people to don’t disappear just because
buildings do; the ministry of the church will always be needed which is
why we are here.
As a result of the Diocesan Review many churches are engaging in the
formation of a five-year plan. We will start to think about this at our
joint PCCs away-day. It is a good exercise to engage with. We need to
know what we think we are about and where we think we are going.
‘If you don’t know where you’re going you’re sure to end up somewhere
else’
At a meeting some weeks ago I heard of one parish who had said that one
of their priorities was to lower the average of churchwardens and PCC
members by 25 years! Great stuff if they can do it. It is not about
being politically correct and ignoring the contribution made by more
established members of our congregations but a real sense that unless
we involve a younger generation in the regular and routine running of
our churches we have no firm foundation for the future.
It is one of the main priorities of the Mission Group to seek to
involve and include younger people more in all aspects of our church
life. In that light I am delighted to welcome on board today Leo, Kari
and Judith, three younger members of our congregation who are taking on
roles of responsibility within our community together with Rosie, who
is standing again as deputy warden, and members of the PCC. I hope that
those elected to serve as wardens and deputy wardens, and all the PCC
can count on your full support at all times. I for one think this is an
exciting example of the growth and new life we say we pray for.
I am delighted too that Emily wants to serve as a sidesperson. How good
it is to have a young member of the church offering to do this – here’s
to more please!
I am grateful as ever for the hard work and commitment of so many
during the past year: particularly to Miriam and Michael who have
served as Wardens and Leo and Rosie who have served as deputy wardens.
We thank too Angie Price, Mary Crooke, Jill Deeprose, Elaine Jones and
Geoff Moss for their three-year term on PCC.
Thanks must also be recorded to Joan Tudhope for her work as my P.A.
and to Fiona who has served for a number of years now as PCC Secretary.
And can I please thank also those whose hard work is recorded in the
reports section of tonight’s meeting? To name everyone would be not
only an impossible task but to neglect those whose prayerful support
cannot be easily documented and that is no less important than other
‘up-front’ tasks.
My thanks to many priests who have provided cover when none of our
ministry team has been available. And of course my grateful thanks to
the ministry team for their support and hard work.
It was with much sadness that we heard Ged will be leaving us in the
summer in order to train for the priesthood. Although we will miss him
we wish him well. We have certainly been very fortunate in having him
as director of music for the past ten years.
Both the Holiday Club and Pantomime engage us with younger people… it
is worth remembering that apart from the uniformed organisations the
Pantomime and Holiday Club are the only things we do, outside of Sunday
School, for the young people of our parish. Thanks to Leo and all the
pantomime team, and to Joan Tudhope and all the holiday club team.
Ministry of Welcome. We need to
encourage people to take this more seriously. Sidespeople act on the
Bishops’ behalf – that is why they are admitted to the office at the
Visitation Service. We will talk more about this at the next PCC
meeting.
All Age Mass.
As you know, the PCC agreed to a one year experiment in setting up a
monthly service which would try to cater for a wider range of ages and
different approaches to Christian worship than our regular Sunday
morning mass. We felt that we needed to have a good run at this prior
to a full review later on this year.
In trying to design and implement such a new service it is inevitable
that there are going to be ‘glitches’ from time to time. The new
service requires a considerable amount of resources to stage –
particularly in terms of people’s time. The mission group, and its
all-age worship sub-group, are keenly aware of this. They are in the
process of reorganising the whole process of planning to try to ensure
that in future such ‘glitches’ might be better anticipated.
It is also inevitable that in trying to design something new our
pattern of worship will be different and probably a bit less
comfortable. So I think it is important to remember that all-age
worship happens just once a month – three services out of four on
Sunday mornings are just as they always have been. Also, even on the
occasions of our all-age worship services, the general pattern of the
eucharist is as always – although the feel of it might be a bit
different. If we are serious about trying to attract more people to St
Faith’s then we will all at times need to make some sacrifices in terms
of what happens to suit us individually. Are we here primarily for
ourselves or for others?
Please pray for those engaged in this work.
At the PCC away-day, as you will see from tonight’s papers, the PCC
will be considering what our ministry is, and should be, to this
community and what our priorities should be for the next five years.
This will be no easy task but I am sure that with everyone pulling
together and working for the common good we will try to work out how to
be an effective 21st century congregation.
All in all there is much to thank God for as we reflect on the year
that is past, and much to look forward to in the 12 months ahead of us.
Fr Neil
24th April 2006
Church and Community Reports
Ministry Team
At the beginning of the year we were able to thank Dora Whitehead and
Margaret Davies for their contribution to the team as they retired as
churchwardens in the United Benefice. In their place we welcomed Miriam
Jones and Doreen Whitlow. The highlights of the year have undoubtedly
been the licensing of Father Mark as NSM to the benefice last July and
the more recent licensing of Cynthia Johnson as Reader. We wish them
well in their respective ministries.
The team meets regularly, usually once a month, and we discuss a very
wide variety of parish business including both practical matters and
pastoral concerns. We are keen that our two PCCs should also play a
full part in responsibility and decision making, and we are looking
into the training possibilities for PCC members.
Much of our time has been taken up with outreach initiatives. The new
arrangements for baptisms are working well but parish visitors need
more support and training in the pastoral and faith-sharing aspects of
their role. We are also looking at ministry to the housebound including
communion at home: ideally our Eucharistic ministers could take the
sacrament to the housebound after Mass on a Sunday morning. We
would like to make experience of prayer and bible study more accessible
and to increase the opportunities for church members and newcomers to
meet one another in the context of Faith. Looking at the formation of
new groups for these activities will be part of our task for next year.
This year the ‘Walsingham Circle’ which unites both parishes has
provided a new focus for prayer and spirituality.
Finally, we are looking forward to the PCC away-day where we will all
be considering our strategy for the next five years. Our thanks to
Father Neil for his expert chairmanship, and also for entertaining us
all so generously with a very convivial Christmas meal at the Red
Squirrel back in December!
Fred Nye
Premises
The Premises Committee met at regular intervals throughout the year.
Maintenance work has continued to grounds, church and church hall. The
appearance of the grounds is tidy. Security lighting on Vicarage
wall facing the church has been mended.
Acts of vandalism this year have been less, but damage to wall outside
hall on Milton Rd. needs repairing. Faulty lighting in church has been
repaired. New cupboard in Vestry made. Improvements in the church hall
are constantly being undertaken. Cleaning of all external guttering and
repairing where appropriate. A new dishwasher in the kitchen is now
functioning (cost largely raised by Table Sales ). New chairs and
tables also purchased in like manner. Heater boiler in old kitchen now
partitioned off (fire regulations ). Floor surface in upper room
improved and room decorated.
Estimates obtained for following major works: New heating in church;
Eradication of Dry Rot in Sacristy; New electric switchboard in church.
Replacing electric wiring in hall. Other major work to be considered.
Disabled access to church and hall and toilet facilities in hall.
(Awaiting architect to produce plans.) Repair work required to
church roof and above kitchen and toilets in hall.
Michael Holland
Serving
Team
Since the last year’s report the serving team now stands at 16 and we
will soon be welcoming back Rebecca Waters. We have two new members of
the team Jose Appleton and Emily Lee.
We are now able to have full teams for Sunday services and enlarged
teams for special services. Kevin and I have started to give extended
training to younger members who are now undertaking more adult serving
roles.
I would like to thank all the serving team for all their hard work and
dedication. Geoff Moss
Sunday School
First of all, I would like to thank the small nucleus of regular
children who come to Junior Church, and also the equally small and
gallant band of helpers who teach and support them. At the moment we
have 18 children on the books, but rarely see more than half that
number in church on a Sunday. We enjoy showing the congregation our
learning and creative work when we come into church. The indoor and
outdoor parties as usual attract far more children but are great
fun. We would all like to thank Fr Neil for making the Chapel of
the Cross such an attractive Children’s Corner where we can hide
away. We would as always be very grateful for more helpers to
spread the load.
Angie Price
Churches
Together in Waterloo
The group has organised inter-church services during the year, a
Christian Aid service at St Faith's in May and a service of lessons and
carols in December also at St Faith's. Representatives from the
churches also attended the Merseyside region ecumenical service at
Christ Church Ellesmere Port to mark the week of prayer for Christian
Unity in January. The proposed debate between the local Members of
Parliament during One World Week had to be cancelled because of failure
to secure the attendance of all the MPs.
The group organised the distribution of leaflets to all houses in the
area for Christmas and Easter and was also responsible for the
Christian Aid house to house collection throughout the parishes in May.
The committee was sorry to lose its chair Mr Joe Kendall who has begun
his training to be a priest away from the area, and are grateful for
his hard work on behalf of the group.
Kathleen Zimak
Catering
Team
Events this past year have been very successful despite the reduced
numbers in the team, and fewer people available to help on some
occasions, for a variety of reasons. With fewer commitments this year
hopefully we can re-vitalise for the future. Thanks to all those
outside the catering team who gave generously of their time and cooking
skills when help was requested. Also to all who helped in any way
toward the table sales, which were a great success, and raised enough
capital to purchase new chairs for the hall, and a dishwasher for the
kitchen. Looking forward to continued success this year and a
happy sunny summer.
Ruth Winder
Pram Club
Regrettably due to dramatically falling numbers pram club has been
closed. Playschool has suffered a similar fate, but a need was
identified in the mornings for a parent & toddler group, therefore,
playschool has re-formed to fulfil this need on a two mornings per week
basis for a trial period.
Christine Spence
Eucharistic
Ministers
At the present time we have 16 Eucharistic Ministers, including two
Readers, licensed by the Bishop to assist in the Eucharist with the
administration of the Host and Chalice. They may also administer
the Reserved Sacrament to the sick and house bound.
Eric Salisbury
S. Faith’s Brownies
We currently have 13 Brownies registered with 2 girls on our waiting
list who should be joining us next term and possibly 3 or 4 Rainbows
who are now old enough to move up. Last September we visited Crosby
Fire Station where the girls were presented with a Fire Safety Badge at
the end of a very interesting and informative evening.
In November we welcomed a lady from the Freshfield Animal Rescue Centre
who brought along a furry friend. The girls enjoyed the evening and our
visitor was delighted with the generous donations of cat and dog food
the girls gave as a thank you. We have since been invited to visit the
rescue centre.
We made more beautiful hand-made Christmas cards in December with our
expert, Jenny Moss, we thank her sincerely for her continued support.
We finished the term with an 'Oscars Night' which Fr Neil was able to
attend and present some awards. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the
evening and we thank Fr Neil for his support.
Sue Walsh and Mary
McFadyen
St. Faith’s Rainbows
Numbers are increasing. We currently have 18 Rainbows registered with
us but 4 girls should be moving up to Brownies soon. We have had a busy
year continuing the new Rainbow programme. Due to increased work
commitments, Claire Hockney, has been unable to assist on a regular
basis and we are currently depending on the help of Sue Walsh and Mary
McFayden, we would welcome any assistance.
Geraldine Forshaw
10th Crosby & District Scout Group
Another full year of activities for our Group! The Scout Section, led
by George McInnis, have worked on a series of skills over the year in
preparation for weekend challenges – orienteering, map-work, and camp
programme/planning etc. They have also taken part in District-led
activities such as 5 a side football, swimming and challenge camps.
The 2 Cub packs, led by Alan Jones and Mike Carr, continue with
badge-work activities and have been on several weekend camps over the
year. Camps, which are well attended and greatly enjoyed by all, have
included themes such as ‘Marooned’ (a desert island survival camp);
‘Who Dares, Wins’ (adventurous activities including canoeing, archery,
climbing etc); ‘Hogwarts’ (fun themed camp) and others. This year, Cubs
have their 90th anniversary and will be celebrating at District camp in
June.
Beavers go from strength to strength, have attended sleepovers and day
trips and continue with their badge-work.
The Group is strong and all sections are growing – a tribute to the
commitment and hard work that is put in by all the leaders who help run
the Group.
Sunday
Specials
During 2005 the Sunday Specials were not able to meet as regularly as
previously due to Susie’s commitments to members of her family.
It is unlikely therefore that they will meet during 2006.
Susie Greenwood
Communications
In an age increasingly relying on effective communications, the St
Faith’s Communications Department (one-man!) has been kept as busy as
ever. Weekly liturgy notices and occasional service orders roll off the
presses, with the New Worship booklets in glorious technicolor.
Newslink runs to 24 or more pages, with lots of colour photographs. I
print 375 copies, over 120 of which go out by post. Photographic
displays also add colour to the back of church.
The church website is going strong, with several updates most weeks and
lots of photographs and animations. There is now a comprehensive index
to keep track of what is effectively a parish archive since 1997, and
also a page of religious jokes, many in good taste. The site registers
upwards of 50 ‘hits’ most days and some 51,000 total visits; many
visitors are from well beyond the parish confines and some from remote
parts of the globe.
Chris Price
Mission
Group
This year the Mission group was asked by the PCC to implement some of
the suggestions for improved outreach which had been highlighted by the
Parish Survey. We met on five occasions. Our work has centred on three
aspects of church life: the new ‘all-age’ service, our ministry to
newcomers particularly baptism families, and opportunities for people
to meet together to study and share their faith.
A planning sub-group was set up to organise the all-age services.
Five services have been held so far:- they have been welcomed by
many, particularly children. Following criticisms of the ‘Environment’
service in March the planning group membership has been widened and a
preparation timetable implemented. We are anxious that the S. Faith’s
congregation as a whole should ‘own’ these services, and that the
worship should be welcoming and accessible to those who are
‘un-churched’. It would also be good if in future we could take part in
the Diocesan ‘Child Friendly Church’ scheme. Baptism visiting is now
carried out entirely by a lay team, and families are welcomed at the
all-age service preceding the baptism. Finally, Father Mark organised
two highly successful and well attended study groups, one on ‘Questions
of Faith’ and a Lent Group on the idea of sacrifice.
Fred Nye
Walsingham
Circle
During last year’s Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham, a group of people
from our United Benefice were accepted as new members to the Shrine of
Our Lady of Walsingham. As there were 10 of us (5 from S. Faith’s and 5
from S. Mary’s), we were able to form what is termed by the Shrine a
‘Local Cell’, of which Fr Neil is the Local Superior, being a Priest
Associate of the Holy House. The requirement for forming a cell is that
members meet on a regular basis, observing feast days relating to Our
Lady, and the individuals are to say The Angelus each day. An annual
membership fee is payable to help support the Shrine. We have named our
cell ‘The Walsingham Circle’, indicating by it’s name that it
encompasses all, and everyone is welcome. The mass held on the last
Saturday morning of each month and the intercessions offered are
dedicated to Our Lady of Walsingham. From time to time, there are
informal meetings held after a mass, for instance, during Lent there
was a talk by Fr Robert Hart, who is a member of the Church Liturgical
Commission, about some of the history and ritual of Holy Week and
Easter, followed by a Lenten Lunch. All services and meetings are open
to everyone, and will be publicised on the weekly service sheet
accordingly.
Miriam Jones
100
(plus) Club
The 100 club has continued to be successful for another year,
celebrating its 5th birthday in November. Membership has recently
dropped slightly, settling at around 140. In the last 12 months, the
figure paid to church funds was around £4,500, bring the total
raised since it started to about £25,000.
Miriam Jones
Bootle
Deanery Synod
There have to date been three meetings of the Deanery Synod. The PCC
has been represented at two of these meetings: unfortunately, none of
your representatives was free to attend the last meeting as there was
insufficient notice of the date of the meeting.
At the first meeting, held in June 2005, Linda Tiongco from Christian
Aid gave a talk on the work of various relief organizations who had
gone to Sri Lanka following the Tsunami.(Many of the members of PCC
will have heard her speak on this at the PCC Away Day.)
The formal business of the meeting followed, dealing first with the
closure of S. Mary’s School, Bootle. The Chairman of Governors spoke
feelingly and in some detail of the way in which the decision to close
had been reached; it was clear that there had been considerable
distress to both parents and teachers, though the local ministry and
parish officials were praised for their support and assistance in a
very difficult situation. After some discussion it was decided that a
letter should be sent from the deanery meeting expressing
disappointment at the lack of sensitivity and support, and asking what
lessons could be learnt for the future handling of such a situation,
should it arise.
The second item of business concerned plans for a Mission to children
and young people. A variety of meetings were planned to take place in
2006, between Mothering Sunday and Passion Sunday, in an effort to
attract youngsters into church.
At the end of this first meeting, the Revd. David Parry was formally
thanked for all his work and support for the parishes and people of the
Deanery, and he was presented with a farewell gift.
The main topic of the second meeting, held in February, 2006, was
“Fresh Expressions of Church” and why we need them within this Deanery.
Frances Shoesmith, who had been appointed to the Litherland and
Netherton Group in October,2005, gave a presentation, the object of
which was to encourage the Synod to explore what might be the
implications of “Mission Shaped Church” for the Deanery as a whole, and
what we need to do next. No particular conclusions appear to have been
drawn from this meeting, though they may have become apparent at the
third meeting which unfortunately your representatives were unable to
attend.
Margaret Davies
St. Faith's Men’s Group
Once again the Men’s Group have managed to cope with the problems of
failing memory and held seven evening meetings and of course their
retreat to Yorkshire.
The semi regular gatherings in each others houses are in some ways
similar to the Parish Centre meetings, the Horsfall Ladies or even the
‘84 Group: although in other ways they are not similar. Certainly the
camaraderie and hospitality is always there, and the meetings are part
of the activities associated with S. Faiths.
The retreat this year was well attended with local plumbers featuring
in the entertainment! The owner of the house organised central heating
to be installed but had forgotten that we were there, and every room
was missing either floorboards or carpets. The ensuing chaos needed
patience and sacrifice to sort out, but with extra jumpers for outer
warmth and a tot or two for inner warmth the usual mixture of fun,
games and serious debate was never in doubt. Lead by Fr Charles, our
Sunday Eucharist was as usual very moving and reminded us of our ‘home
base’ at S. Faiths.
Sadly, the annual day trip to Chester in celebration of free bus passes
failed to happen this year but is planned for 2006 when at least one
further member will not have to pay for his ticket!
If you could buy a stick of Men’s Group rock, it would have St Faiths
written all through it – the dozen or so members of the Group are
currently involved with just about every activity at church from
Pantomime to Serving, and includes congregation both past and present.
Rick Walker
Friends
of S. Faith’s
The Friends group was re-launched in November 2005 and seeks its
membership from those who wish to show their support for the church and
for its contribution to the community. Membership is open to all
and Fr Peter Goodrich has agreed to chair the Friends. It is
intended to use any money raised for the maintenance and improvement of
the church fabric.
David Jones
S.
Faith’s Holiday Club
August 2005 saw the third S. Faith’s Holiday Club, and although we
received a lower grant from Sefton Council towards the running of the
Club, thanks to the goodwill and hard work of all the helpers, the week
was an enormous success. Over 50 children attended each day and
enjoyed a range of activities and outings.
Joan Tudhope
S.
Faith’s Choir
The Choir has continued to enhance and enrich the liturgy at S. Faith’s
week by week. In addition, they gave a recital in the Saturday Series
and sang the services in the Metropolitan Cathedral on the last Sunday
in July. They will make a return visit on July 31st this year, and this
will be my last Sunday as Director of Music at S. Faith’s. I would like
to thank them for their friendship, commitment and hard work over the
last ten or so years.
Ged Callacher
THE
A.P.C.M.
2005
Elected to Serve
At the Vestry Meeting Michael Holland and Miriam Jones,
as the only two candidates for the office of Churchwarden, were
duly
elected for the year. At the APCM, Leo Appleton and Rosie
Walker, the only two candidates for the office of Deputy
Churchwarden,
were likewise duly elected.
There were six candidates for the three places as Deanery Synod
representatives.
Ken
Bramwell, Margaret Davies and Joan Tudhope were elected by
ballot
and, as with Churchwardens and Deputy Churchwardens, became ex officio
members of the Parochial Church Council. There then remained eleven
candidates
for the six vacant places on the PCC. Val Broom, Ged Callacher,
John
Knight, Gordon Slater, Sue Walsh and Ruth Winder were
elected
by ballot, completing the election process.
The Chairman's Report
The text of Fr Neil Kelley's 2005 'State of the Nation' report to
the Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting on April 22nd
Tonight is our opportunity to give thanks to God for the life of the
church in this parish, particularly all that has been achieved in the
past
year, and to seek his blessing for what we will try and do in the
future.
Firstly though, we pause to remember those of our Christian family
who
have passed away since the last APCM took place: Betty Springett,
Alistair
Gardler, Aileen Dawber, John Taylor, and George Harrison. We give
thanks
for their commitment and witness to Christ in this House of Prayer. May
they rest in peace.
Since we last met as an APCM we have received various gifts here at
S. Faith’s. A set of red concelebration chasubles, worn for the first
time
on S. Faith’s Day, in memory of Ann Holland’s father, John Hargreaves.
Also in memory of Aileen Dawber we have been given some new vestments
and
from the kind legacy given to the church in her memory new surplices
for
the choir have been ordered. We have received a legacy from the estate
of Norah Gilmer and the gift of a new thurible in memory of Ian Ritson.
We are at the moment trying to bring up to date a list of all gifts
which
have been given in memory, and as always are grateful when S. Faith’s
is
remembered in such a way. Whilst seeking to do this we need also to
bear
in mind that some people wish gifts to be completely anonymous.
The report which has been put together by the Mission Group will be
published shortly we hope and will be a useful tool for looking to the
future. Whilst it is important that all people feel they can have their
say, such a report shouldn’t just be about saying what we don’t like
about
S. Faith’s or indeed the Vicar. We don’t need a report to tell us that!
It strikes me though that before we can begin to grapple with some
of
the issues raised we almost need a “back to basics” campaign. For
example,
some describe how they dislike the term “mass” being used, in a report
which claims that S. Faith’s is an Anglo-catholic parish. I think we
need
to address and un-pack what we think our identity is first, as I think
there are many areas people are uncertain about and we must seek to
address
them, not so that we all agree, but so that we can come to a common
mind
about what we think we are doing here, before we commend that faith to
others.
Later this year I will be preaching a series of four sermons on the
Eucharist. Many have suggested that it would be good from time to time
to celebrate the Eucharist in different ways – the weekend school of
prayer
highlighted that.
Before we talk about the different ways it [the Eucharist] can be
presented
and celebrated, we need first to try and understand what it is we think
we are doing when we come to break bread together. The sermons I will
preach
will be based upon the booklet entitled “The Eucharist: sacrament of
Unity”
published by the House of Bishops of the Church of England in 2001.
These
four sermons will be followed by an opportunity, for those who wish, to
have a discussion afterwards.
But tonight, thanks are due! It is dangerous to name people because
you run the risk of missing someone out!
I will take that risk. Thanks are due to
Margaret Davies for her service as Warden; Gordon and Denis
for their service as deputy warden.
Joan Tudhope for her ongoing administrative help
Margaret Houghton for her work as treasurer.
George Smith who for many years has acted as Verger,
especially
for weddings and funerals.
Then of course our flower ladies, cleaners, printers, refreshment
makers,
choir, servers and all those who regularly contribute, often in ways
which
are unseen, to the worship and work of the church
There is much for us to do here at S. Faith’s. The Mission Group
will
be giving us much to think about. However, we can devise the most
grandiose
and exciting schemes, but if our work is not rooted in prayer and in
bringing
people to salvation through Jesus Christ, then we are not being true
disciples.
Much is being said about new ways and fresh expressions of being
church.
Recently, in the journal called “Theology” the theologian Peter Doll
argues
that what we need to do is to: “Re-order People rather than
Churches
– this is where we need to start”
Once we have our own lives in the right order and our own priorities
in place, then, and only then, can we expect to see great things
happening.
That’s why prayer and worship has to be a first priority because if we
don’t “plug in” to God in prayer we are fumbling about in the dark with
no possible hope of doing His will.
The memorable pilgrimage to Conques last year made a deep and
lasting
impression on all who went – the benefits of that will stay with us I
hope
for a long while. Let’s hope that next year’s pilgrimage to Rome will
be
equally rewarding and uplifting though of course very different to the
peace and quiet of Conques! Good to see so many signed already up for
that.
It is a great credit to S. Faith’s that after a long detailed search
throughout the churches of the North West the BBC decided to film two
services
here at S. Faith’s. We had hardly unpacked our suitcases from Conques
when
a lot of people were involved in a lot of hard work for a lot of hours.
It showed S. Faith’s at its very best in terms of commitment and energy
and I think the response we got, quite literally from all over the
country,
makes us realize that S. Faith’s is an exciting community to belong to
and one we can be quite justifiably proud of. An early Lent brought us
to an even earlier Easter so there’s not been much time to catch
breath!
It is a cause of great rejoicing that so many good and positive
things
are happening here.
I don’t recall a time when we have ever had so many altar servers
We have good cross-section of people who have joined the Mission Group
We have an excellent number of people volunteering to help run the
Holiday Club, now to enter its third year
Plans for our next parish pantomime are well underway; this is an event
which fosters most importantly a good relationship between our two
parishes.
We have a Hall whose bookings are now full to overflowing
We have a premises group who are finally winning the battle with the
repairs and renovations which need to be done to the Church and Hall
We have a good number of people offering to serve on the Deanery Synod
and PCC. There are so many parishes longing to have enough people to
have
a vote for anything!
We talk about involvement in the community. The one thing which we
all
have to take on board is that it is impossible to know the full extent
of our influence beyond these four walls.
For example, we are receiving more and more requests for prayer
through
the internet.
We have received a tremendous amount of thanks from people who
attended
the mass for the Pope. Similar events have been staged after September
11th [and on that first anniversary], after the death of the Queen
Mother,
when the two young girls Holly and Jessica were murdered. With good
publicity,
all of these have brought people “in” to S Faith’s and we have given
them
something they have appreciated. It is a reminder that pleasing other
people
is actually more important than pleasing ourselves.
Our Monthly Healing Services are meeting a real need – one young man
of 35 started coming to them last summer when he knew he had terminal
cancer.
As he approached his death in October, he was forever grateful for all
that the Ministry of Healing had given to him, and those close to him
as
he died. We are grateful for a generous donation made to S. Faith’s in
thanksgiving for all the care and support he received before he died.
Only the other day, someone from South Liverpool had traveled on the
bus to come and collect a poster for our Saturday concerts. He
explained
to me how his son committed suicide last year; his wife died this year
and in the last few years he had also lost his mother and sister. He
said
that classical music has kept him sane. What a privilege it is to be
able
to be part of something that can help people like that, without knowing
it.
Lastly thanks to the Ministry Team and to everyone for the support
and
encouragement people give to me. As I come to the 6th anniversary of my
induction next week, I am very conscious of what has been achieved, and
even more conscious of work still to be done. But I am deeply grateful
to God for the opportunity of serving Him in this place. My thanks to
God
for the last six years here, and here’s to the next six years!
Fr Neil Kelley
The Reports
Ministry Team
The Ministry Team continues to meet on the last Tuesday of each
month.
Membership of the Team comprises of : Fr. Neil, Fr. Dennis, Fr. Mark,
Fr.
Peter, Jackie Parry, Fred Nye, Cynthia Johnson and the wardens of St.
Faith’s
and St. Mary’s, which this year have been Jill McElroy, Dora Whitehead,
Margaret Davies and Michael Holland. Worship has been high on the
Agenda and this year saw the Pastoral Link scheme put into
operation.
At a Team Awayday at CHET he report Mission throughout the church was
discussed.
Other items on the agenda have been Eucharistic Ministers, Fair Trade
and
the possibility of a series of talks on the Eucharist.
Premises
The Premises Committee met at regular intervals throughout the year.
Maintenance work to both the church and the hall has been carried
out.
Security and vandalism are constant problems and discussions have taken
place with the Police and the Council. Facilities for disabled
people
are an urgent requirement and work in this area is ongoing. The
heating
system is a constant worry and the lighting and wiring sockets require
professional inspection. The block floor in the church hall has
been
repaired and new cupboards built. Thanks to all who give freely
of
their time and energy in order to maintain the fabric of our
premises.
Michael Holland
Serving Team
Since the last report the serving team has grown to 17 and we have
welcomed Paul Jones, Leo Appleton, Judith Skinner, Joan Bowling and
Philippa
Scott. We are now able to have full teams for Sunday services and
enlarged
teams for special services. Kevin and I have started to give extended
training
to Chelsea Jones and Grace Walsh who are preparing to undertake more
adult
serving roles. I would like to thank all the serving team for all their
hard work and dedication and to Martin Jones who, having trained Kevin
and myself, is now able to take a back seat from the serving team and
concentrate
on his studies. Geoff Moss
Sunday School
Numbers on the register are much the same as last year’s total,
standing
currently at 21. It’s sad that the number of children actually
attending
on Sunday is usually in single figures and on occasion no-one turns up
at all. The teachers and helpers remain constant and I am very grateful
to them for all their hard work. We have had successful summer and
Christmas
parties and these have been very well attended. Several of us have been
to two meetings to hear how to teach children and how not to abuse
them,
but no-one as yet has been able to tell us how to attract more children
to Junior Church. Angie Price
Men’s Group
The men's group continues to meet at members' houses once a month.
Other meetings are also held throughout the year at various locations,
places of interest etc. The annual retreat is still held at David's
House,
Marske-in-Swaledale, Yorkshire where deceased members are in our
thoughts
and prayers. Unfortunately we lost another member during the year with
the sad demise of John Taylor. Kevin Walsh
Churches Together in
Waterloo
The past year has seen much the same selection of shared services as
the previous year, with events at the major festivals, using a variety
of venues, including St. Faith’s. A new Chair of the group has been
elected,
Joe Kendall, from St. Edmund’s Roman Catholic Church – the first lay
Chair
for a while. We have started to look more closely at what response the
local Churches can make to the difficulties faced by refugees and
asylum
seekers. This began with a discussion workshop during last week’s One
World
Week where we looked at some of the prevailing myths surrounding this
subject
and thought about how our own experiences of moving may help us to
understand
the decisions and experiences of asylum seekers. My own feeling is that
ecumenical activity locally has become rather ‘tired’ and predictable,
and any suggestions for more lively and impact-making events which
local
churches could be involved with together would be very welcome. Mike
Homfray
Catering Team
The Catering Team met during the year to plan the catering requirements
for various social events, such as the Easter Party, S. Faith’s Day
Patronal
Festival, the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch and other
occasions.
The spirit of the Team is high and thanks to everyone who has played
any
part in providing fine food and service to members of the congregation
and so contributing to the success of our social occasions. Ruth
Winder
Eucharistic Ministers
There are 17 Eucharistic Ministers authorized by the Bishop, which
includes two Readers. They assist in church and also in taking
sick
communions to people in their own homes.
Eric Salisbury
Pram Club
Pram Club is still open and ticking over. We have about 10
regular
mums this year, although numbers do go up and down. This does
mean
about 14 children, which is a comfortable number to entertain and run
around.
Hopefully mums will continue to come and feel comfortable and welcome.
Christine
Spence
Uniformed Organisations
Rainbows continues at St Faith's despite dwindling numbers last year
when we thought the unit might have to close. We currently have 10
Rainbows
on our books. We have had a busy year starting the new Rainbows
programme.
In February both our leaders, Geraldine Forshaw and Claire Hockney,
were
presented with 10 year, Long Service Awards here at St Faith's during
our
Thinking Day Service. Geraldine Forshaw & Claire Hockney
St Faith's Brownies
The Brownies have had another busy year. We attended an activity day
in Scarisbrick, visited our local Plaza Cinema at Christmas to see
'Polar
Express'. We have also managed to do some badge work, including our
Craft
Badge when a member of our congregation came along and made cards and
presents
for Mothering Sunday. The girls really enjoyed themselves and our
sincere
thanks go to Jenny Moss who was also later available to present the
girls
with their badges. In February we celebrated Thinking Day here at St
Faith's
and I, Sue Walsh, was presented with 5 and 10 year, Long Service
Awards.
We currently have 16 girls on our books as several of our older
brownies
left last summer. We do have some vacancies.
Sue Walsh & Mary McFadyen
Sunday Specials
The Sunday Specials continue to thrive and as in previous years we
have new friends joining in the sharing on Sunday. All
donations
given by each person at a lunch, go towards projects as St. Faith’s, as
do the proceeds of the Annual May Coffee Morning.
Communications Report
St Faith's parish magazine 'Newslink'
is produced every month and has
a current print run of 365 copies, of which something over 100 are sent
outside the parish by post, with the remainder being delivered to
members
of the congregation and local friends of the church by a team of
magazine
deliverers, to whom our thanks are as always due. The magazine is
produced
and printed by the Image Press at Merchant Taylors' School and its
production
is funded as part of St Faith's printing budget arrangement with the
school.
Recent months have seen the introduction of colour printing and the
regular
inclusion of pages of photographs. The church website, set up at the
end
of 1997, continues to expand and is updated regularly, often several
times
a week. It is an archive of past events in words and plctures, a source
of information about the church and its activities and an up-to-date
access
to what is happening at St Faith's and St Mary's. The site is now
receiving
between 40 and 50 'hits' daily; ideas for its further expansion and
improvement
are always welcome.
Chris Price
Go
to the 2007 APCM report page
Return
to the 'Meeting People' introduction (with links to subsequent APCM
reports)
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