Parish Meeting April 2nd 2011

At the Parish Meeting on Saturday morning, a brief overview was presented by the various Parish Committees of the current status in their area.

Here are some the highlights for those unable to be present:

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

• Income continues to increase in difficult times
• The majority of our income is through Planned Giving
• 2011 Planned Giving resulted in 120 pledge cards completed. Thank You!
• We have held expenses
• We operate close to or under budget
• We have established an endowment beginning with £50K
• To provide financial stability for future parish generations
• For funding of large, planned projects and emergencies
• Finance committee to reassess and increase contributions on a quarterly basis

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

• Church heating system – improving current functionality and reducing running costs
• Sacristies
• Toilets / disabled access
• Lighting
• Green issues – coming legislation and impact on church running costs
• The Building Committee needs more skilled people to assist in all functions of the Committee
e.g. property management, carpentry, building surveyor, construction, engineer, gardener, handyman, plumber, IT, etc.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PASTORAL COUNCIL

• to build up a stronger sense of community
• to blend together the diversities which exist within the parish
• to ensure that new people are welcomed
• to encourage more parishioners to become actively involved in the life of the parish
• to celebrate and give thanks for God's blessings
• a commitment to justice and peace
• caring for the sick and the poor
• reaching out to others outside our community
• enabling parishioners to witness to the Faith in their daily lives