General Easter Vestry –

The attendance was average, but when the apologies are counted the interest is seen to be increasing. Interest in what, you might ask? In parish life. We have new people on our new Select Vestry and some old hands. Those elected have taken on the responsibilty of being responsible for the three Fs for the next year – Finance, Fabric (buildings & land) and Furnishings (everything contained in our buildings). Nothing should be done in any property in the parish without the permission of the Select Vestry, and, if necessary, the diocesan Council and Representative Church Body.
When you look at the finances of last year you see that giving for the live ministry (assessment/sustentation) is our highest giving, but needs more subscribers to do what it is supposed to do. Donations towards repairs/renovations etc were extremely high. But giving towards the day-to-day running of the parish (light, heat and maintenance) is almost non-existent. In other words, we do not have a parish “life”. And this must be addressed if we are to be able to pay all our bills and, more importantly, become a place where people want to worship and share time with each other as real committed and lively Christians. Sunday collections are low and this is providing a sequence of – low funds to inadequate heat to poor attendance to low funds etc in at least one of our churches. There are other factors for low attendance at worship and they also need to be addressed and, once again, there are the sequences that perpetuate our problems – “nothing for the children in worship” to Rector prepares material to no children to etc. We need more volunteers for Youth Work. Maybe what I have said on page one might give some people ideas of what they might do to improve what I find a frustrating situation!
Select Vestry Meeting – Monday, 11th May 2009 @ 8.00pm in Old St. Mary’s,