DCC

Diocese of Southwark - Parish of Horley
St Francis Church Balcombe Road Horley
“Building God’s Church, Building God’s People”
________________________________________________________________¬¬__________

St Francis Church Committee

Minutes of a meeting held on 24/11/2008 at 8.00 pm in the Burke Room, St Francis Church

Present

Jim Williamson, Jim Latter, Giles Easterbrook, Roger Kidd, Selina Elliott, James Ashton, Penny Lochead, Malcolm Elliott, James Bulman, Heather Bulman, Dorothy Lupinda

Apologies
Antonia Williamson, Janet Elliott, Steve Davie

Agenda
No Item Action by
1 Opening prayers – Jim Latter opened the meeting with prayers.

2 Apologies for absence:
Received on behalf of Janet, Antonia and Steve.

3 Minutes of the last meeting:
These were agreed but amendment made on Jim Bailey name.

4 Matters Arising:
- Service with Meath Green Junior School went well and they had a lovely time. We would like to see children fill the church more often!

5 Vision:
- Kerry’s role was discussed and what our financial contribution should be. Some of Kerry’s work, such as going to Oakwood, is clearly for the benefit of the parish. It was felt that we needed clarification over how Kerry spent her time. Do we have sufficient money to pay Kerry anyway?
- St Francis is part of Church of England so it should seek to accommodate everybody. This is an especially critical time for evangelism. We have to attract the youth – if we don’t do this then the church dies.
- St Francis needs clear, committed leadership. Some felt that the church was in danger of drifting apart. We need better communication.
- There are three churches but need more explanation as to how clergy are allocated as there is a lack of continuity. Clergy don’t feel they belong at St Francis.
- St Francis think James Ashton should spent more time with St Francis. We may need to approach Bishop Tom. Simon is nearly at the end of his time here and so there is an opportunity to re-structure.
- Three churches have different styles of worship and people will go where they feel comfortable. DCC should be a leader and encourage people but committee cannot lead the church. Jim & Penny ran the church very well. Since Jim decided to step back, St Francis has lost vision as we have no leader although Steve should be a leader.
- Committee will propose this to Steve. St Francis needs a leader. It is a huge job to support three churches but there needs to be open, transparent communication from all.
- Wardens will make contact with Steve. Roger & James B will speak on behalf of the church. There is an awareness that there is not a quick solution.
- Projector will be good for teaching activities but will not change the style of St Francis Church. We will continue using Hymn Books.

6 Youth Work:

- James B mentioned that this is a big issue but it has not been addressed. St Francis need to drive forward with a youth program. There is worry on growth within congregation and Good News Club changes are not showing positive effect as yet.
- Youth should be encouraged to come to church more. St Francis is struggling to actually get youth engaged in spiritual matters. Youth work across the parish is being considered.
- Christmas Workshop taking place 22nd December.
- Should Good news Club be called Sunday School?
- Confirmation takes place in February.
- James A is happy to continue Thursday youth group.
7 Treasurer’s Report:

- Three churches will consider sharing of staff costs.
- Contribution & Diocesan Quota - St Francis seems to be struggling with its finances. On the basis of anticipated income for rest of year, we will go well over budget if we make December’s quota payment.
- Next year the quota has increased further as a result of fairer shares and has gone up by 18% despite being told that our case would be referred to Danny.

- After Malcolm presented the income and expense figures for the 10 months to end October, showing the current level of loss, a majority of the Committee felt strongly that action was needed now to protect the future financial viability of St Francis, Malcolm was directed to:

• Discuss the financial position with the Diocese.
• As the Fairer Shares payment is not obligatory to notify the Diocese that St Francis will not be making the December Fairer Shares payment of £1951. In essence, the committee is unwilling to increase the level of 2008 losses and make the payment out of prior year savings.
• Review expected income and expenses for 2009 and propose to the next DCC an appropriate payment level for Fairer shares in the 2009 budget that does not put St Francis into a loss making position.
• Cancel the Direct Debit with a view to setting up a Standing Order for 2009 payments. This will enable St Francis to exercise more control over the monies being paid.
• Discuss the overall Diocesan and Parish finance arrangements and how they affect St Francis and the other churches with the other parish treasurers.

A vote was taken - 6 agreed to proposals, no opposition and 2 abstentions.

Malcolm
8 Web Communication Website:

- James B has raised concern that St Francis website is not being filled in as agreed and would like contributions asap. Sue will e-mail quarterly leaflet.
- Anyone who wants to add text needs to create a log in. James B will supply training where necessary or will upload contributions sent to him.

ALL
9 AOB
 
- Roger will contact James with dates a meeting with the sidesmen. Ideally this would be a Sunday afternoon before Christmas.
- Eric will speak on Sunday and there will be a bring & share lunch. James A apologised for short notice.
- Sue needs date for Easter workshop.
- Charities for 2009 need to be chosen and agreed at January DCC.
- May need to consider expenditure on radiators as they are now 50 years old. Plumbers to be asked for quotes.
- New door handle is needed for vestry room.

Roger/
James B

Selina

Roger

Roger

The meeting closed at 10:10 p.m. with prayer from James A.

Dates of next meeting
• 12th January, 2009
• 23rd February, 2009
• 30th March, 2009
Distribution
Committee, Minute Book, Notice Board
Ref