Two nominations had been received, those of Richard Dingley and Thea Oliver. They were declared duly elected, and thanked for taking on the task for a further year.

Thea requested deputies to cover the time that Richard is away, due to be several months this year. Victor Skinner and Tricia Heckbert agreed to do this.

4. Confirmation of Minutes from meeting on 24th April 2005

These had been available to everyone on the church notice board and on the website for the past year. No points of accuracy had been raised so they were declared to be an accurate record.

5. Matters arising

Actions arising from the previous APCM were reported in the PCC meeting of 19/07/2005, under 6c. These were summarised at the meeting:

6. (Should the names of those on our electoral roll appear on the website?- check the electoral roll form for a consent clause). The form contains no such clause. We should probably refrain from publishing names on the website without explicit consent, with the exception of PCC members, and those in the public eye (such as local businessmen, parish councillors, school staff etc., whose names will probably appear in websites somewhere else anyway). We would have to use some common sense in this.

7. (i) (Inviting RS to share our patronal festival) The service was announced at Rodney Stoke, as are all our special services.

7. (ii) (Passover service to be combined with ecumenical Lent course service). This has gone forward with the current Lent course, and parishes in the Cheddar valley have been invited.

8. (How much did Draycott PCC contribute to the purchase of the second vicarage?). We contributed £500 in 1965, as part of the total cost of the vicarage of £9,486.

13 d). (Thanks to the Newmans for their work on the parish newsletter). CG has sent a letter of thanks.

Richard further explained some of the background to the vicarage question. The diocese will not return our original funds or reimburse our share in the vicarage (since sold off). However they have indicated a quid pro quo in respect of a grant to establish office facilities, which could for instance form part of the next stage of church refurbishment. We do not have this in writing however.

6. Electoral Roll

Richard Dingley

(See report A)

7. Report on PCC proceedings

Chris Green

(See report B)

8. Financial Report

Wendy Cartwright

(See report C)

Since this report, further expenses have been claimed for the chancel ceiling (£3,940).

We still owe West Country Tiling some £8-9,000, and will have to do some juggling to manage the cash flow until English Heritage reimburse us.

9. Audited Accounts

Wendy Cartwright

(See report D)

The contributions from Sealey Close/ The Laurels is declared separately. They would like to use the money towards kneelers for Draycott, and may raise some extra cash with coffee mornings.

The meeting agreed to accept the audited accounts (prop. Colette Jeff, seconded Audrey Morgan, agreed nem con).

Wendy was thanked by the meeting for all her hard work over this and previous years.

10. Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church

Richard Dingley

(See report E)

One item to add- the lightning conductor has been examined and additional earth rods are required.

11. Report of Refurbishment Fundraising Committee

Victor Skinner

(See report F)

Victor reported that the £1500 grant from Wyvern Environmental Trust has been approved.

One complication has arisen in that receipts to be reimbursed must be after 27^th March, but the workers finished on 24^th March. It is hoped that it can be put against the architect’s retention, yet to be paid.

Victor was thanked for delivering a spectacularly successful year of fundraising.

12. Report on Deanery Synod

Wendy Cartwright

(See report G)

Next meeting is in Highbridge on 14^th June.

13. Other reports

14. Worship Group

Thea Oliver

(See report H)

Tricia Corrick commented that Rodney Stoke were not always well represented in this cross-parish group.

(Richard replied) We will just have to keep trying.

Why did we not start our ‘informal’ communion services today?

(Stanley replied) It was not judged suitable for Passion Sunday- they will start on April 30^th.

15. Covenant Secretary

John Cartwright

(See report I)

John was thanked for all the work he had put into this important task.

16. School

Nikki Devitt

(See report J)

Audrey was grateful for the encouragement over the weekday services designed to accommodate needs of the school and parents. We all need to join these weekday services.

17. Magazine

(No written report received)

The attention of the meeting was drawn to the publication of the newsletter on the benefice website www.rodneystokewithdraycott.org.uk.

The newsletter is well produced and profitable, but the content has been variable. This is dependent on the material received, and we were encouraged to contribute articles. Perhaps the school and youth club should produce something.

Actions:

the next PCC will consider ways to help to widen the interest of articles contributed to the newsletter.
this APCM will be reported in the next issue

18. Diocesan Synod

Sylvia Dingley

(A written report was also contributed by Wendy Cartwright- see report L. Sylvia has written an article that appeared in the Magazine)

Additional- it was reported in the Grapevine that Synod has decided not to implement the 3^rd sage of clergy pay (which would have raised clergy pay levels to those of primary school head teachers).

19. Charitable Giving

Colette Jeff

A new committee has been set up by the PCC to disburse any monies, consisting of Owen Spencer, Tricia Heckbert and Colette Jeff. It will meet when there is money to distribute.

20. Bible study group

Thea Oliver

(See report N)

Thea encouraged more people to join us, in an interesting and informal weekly meeting.

21. Incumbent’s summary

Stanley Price

(See report O)

Stanley was thanked by Thea Oliver on behalf of the church, not only for his leadership in the past year but also for agreeing to stay for another year!

22. Election of PCC Members for 2006/2007

The following are members of the PCC ex officio:

· Stanley Price (priest in charge)

· Richard Dingley (church warden)

· Thea Oliver (church warden)

· Sylvia Dingley (Deanery Synod representative)

The following have agreed to be carried over from last year (NB. The rules state that one-third are to be elected annually).

· Tricia Heckbert

· Colette Jeff

· Victor Skinner

The following are proposed for election or re-election

· Chris Green (prop. Colette Jeff, sec. Victor Skinner

· David Cheetham (prop. Chris Green, sec. Thea Oliver)

· John Cartwright (prop. Chris Green, sec. Thea Oliver)

· Wendy Cartwright (prop. Chris Green, sec. Thea Oliver)

(the Cartwrights have kindly agreed to stay until nearer the time of their departure).

No counter-proposal or objection to the above proposals was made, so the new/ returning members were declared duly elected.

23. Any other business

Stanley suggested that at the new-style informal communion services (1st Sunday of each month) an open invitation should be given to everyone to receive communion (using a formula such as ‘all who love the Lord Jesus’). Is this feasible/ acceptable?

A discussion followed. It was generally agreed that for adults this was no problem- we have no need to enquire into the credentials of anyone who responds to the invitation to communion.

However it is different for children, who may require further instruction. The Revd. John Hall (our previous vicar) gave children communion bread (no wine), using the formula ‘the bread of Jesus’. It was agreed that this would be the best way to proceed.

24. Closing prayer

The meeting was closed by Stanley with a prayer.

Reports

A. Electoral Roll

Richard Dingley, electoral roll officer

During the past year four people have moved away from the parish and have been removed from the Electoral Roll. The following have joined during 2005: Trisha Heckbert (before the last APCM) and David Cheetham. Consequently the number on the Electoral Roll is now 51

Of these three are not ordinarily resident: Morgan Oliver and Tia Tinsong (at University), and Lois Dingley working in Nepal with INF. Taking these into consideration the Resident number is 48.

B. PCC Proceedings

Chris Green, PCC secretary

Since the last APCM on 24th April 2006 the PCC have held their regular meetings on 6th June, 19th July, 6th September, 25th October and 5th December in 2005; and on the 17th January and 27th February in 2006.

Your PCC has been 12 strong over the last year. This APCM we are losing four members- Gillian Crease, Lorne Talbot, and John and Wendy Cartwright. In thanking them all of for their various contributions. I hope the other two won’t mind if I make special mention of John and Wendy, who are currently selling their house and will be moving this year.

The Cartwrights have been on the PCC since well before my time- I won’t embarrass them by trying to put dates on this! I will say that Wendy has been PCC treasurer for about 14 years, off and on; and John has been covenant secretary for roughly the same time. This period has seen big increases in government regulation of charities, added to which we have been financing extensive repairs to the roof. Both have added greatly to the work for the treasurer in particular, and we have been most fortunate in having Wendy to navigate us through these difficult waters. John, too, has been most effective in building up the level of covenants on which our income largely depends. Before being covenant secretary John had a spell as PCC treasurer under John Wood (and we do not forget that he has also been treasurer to the Deanery Synod for the past 21 years). They are proving extremely difficult to replace - so much so that we may be begging them to help us in the transition period until they actually do move away!

We are welcoming at least one new member this year, David Cheetham.

PCC minutes have continued to appear on the Website, and this report will shortly be uploaded there as well: www.rodneystokewithdraycott.org.uk/Draycott/Reports/Reports.htm.

C. Financial Report

Wendy Cartwright, Treasurer

We started the year with a bank balance of £2539 credit having allowed for any outstanding cheques, issued but not yet presented. We have ended the year with a balance of £2007 credit, having allowed for all outstanding items, but I feel I must tell you that since then these monies have been utilised in repairs and refurbishments. No doubt Victor will be bringing us all up-to-date with those.

For the sixth year running we have not been able to pay the whole of our Parish Share, having paid just £3500 of a share of £9454. The Diocesan Office has been advised of our financial situation, which, of course, is still caused by our efforts to keep a sound roof over our heads. In 2006 our share has reduced to £9081, a small though welcome reduction of some £400.

The balance in the Central Board of Finance Investment Fund as at 31st December 2005 was £9379, The interest we received over the year was £407, a slight increase on 2004.

Unfortunately this year the amount of income tax recovered was down somewhat at £1507.06, about £680 below that of 2004. No doubt the Covenant Secretary will be able to explain this himself.

The Flower Fund is still in existence but has not been used during 2005. There is still a balance of £22 in the account at the end of 2005.

The Roof & Refurbishment bank balance at 31^st December 2005 was £2812 and the Central Board of Finance account designated “Roof Fund” was £186. We continued the repairs to the roof and also, while the scaffolding was in the chancel, have had that ceiling repainted. We have also had the bells repaired and made safe at a total cost of £6170, but, strictly speaking, that comes under 2006. Another expense was having the boiler controls moved into the secure part of the church so that once the builders have finished we can again have the church open during the day. This only cost £94 and we feel it was necessary in order to make the church available to everyone all the time, not just when there is to be a service.

The total for collections at services continues to increase, reflecting the effort that Stanley has put in to our Parish. We have also gained in the way of fees for things such as baptisms and funerals, although church weddings seem to be out of favour these days, which is a pity.

A copy of the Audited Accounts will be posted on the Notice Board at the back of the church for all to see. That is all from me but if you have any questions I shall be happy to answer them to the best of my ability.

This is the last report you will have from me as I am not standing for the PCC again in view of the fact that we wish to move north. I hope I have carried out the job to your satisfaction over the last 10-15 years.

D. Audited accounts

i. Financial statement for the year ended 31^st December 2005.
General fund receipts and payments account

RECEIPTS	2005		2004		2003
Incoming Resources from Donors	£		£		£
Covenants & gift Aid (101)	6039.00		5664.50		5,337.20
Collections at services (104)	1132.69		860.31		781.80
Income Tax Recovered (102)	1507.06		2182.51		1,330.18	7,449.18
VAT Recovered	0	8678.75	2367.76	11075.08

Other Voluntary Incoming Resources
Emergency transfer from Roof Fund (WC Tiling)	0.00		300.00		414.98
Donations (201a)	20.00
Donations (Legacies) [201b]	0.00		0.00		164.18
Donations (105 + 202)	215.81		139.30		42.50
Fund Raising (203)	0.00	235.81	0.00	439.30	-	621.66

Income from Investments
Bank Interest (2004 Inland Revenue int refund)	0.00		14.80		15.73
CBF Investment Account Interest	407.35		346.51		319.20
3.5% War Stock Dividends	1.18	408.53	1.18	362.49	1.18	336.11

Income from Charitable & Ancillary Trading
Sale of magazine (403)	1182.80		867.90		834.80
Fees (404)	990.00		327.00		792.00
Sale of church books, cards etc (401)	18.99		0.00		-
Church Lettings (302)	80.00		64.00	1258.90	-	1,626.80
Insurance Claims & Other Income	21.72		681.25	681.25
(602) Sale of Assets		2293.51			-

Restricted Receipts
(100) Roof Fund	284.88		0.00		660.00
(101) Fabric Repairs from CBF A/c	0.00		0.00		3,000.00
(201) Disaster Appeals & specific Charity Collections	125.40		537.82		335.16
(202) Youth Work/INF	589.74	1000.02	500.00	1037.82	666.00	4,661.16
TOTAL RECEIPTS		12616.62		14854.84		14,694.91

ii. Financial statement for the year ended 31st December 2005.
General fund receipts & payments account

PAYMENTS	2005		2004		2003
Grants
(1001) Church Overseas	0.00		100.00		47.00
(1002) Relief & Development Agencies Overseas	159		609.22		-
(1003) Home Missions & other church societies	65.15		10.00		82.00
(1004) Secular charities	0.00	£224.15	50.00	£769.22	134.00	£263.00

Activities Directly Relating to the Work of the Church
Parish Share (2001)	3500.00		3500.00		3,500.00
Clergy Expenses (2002/2004)	345.62		616.48		782.40
Upkeep of Church (2005/2006)	1631.07		2385.67		1,881.71
Upkeep of Services (2007)	191.82		83.70		173.61
Magazine Costs (2009)	594.36		691.50		448.21
Other PCC property upkeep (2011)	37.60		40.00		-
Buidings Maintenance (2012/2015)	1427.56		2113.24		1,111.56
Support Costs (Youth Work, Training etc) [2017]	111.43		91.92		32.99
Salaries,wages & honoraria (organist) [2016]	0.00		0.00		22.00
Deanery Fees (2017)	15.00	£7,854.46	15.00	£9,537.51	15.00	£7,967.48

Fund Raising & Church Administration
Fund raising costs (3000)	0.00		0.00		-
Church Administration (4000)	332.07	£332.07	251.34	£251.34	1,396.68	£1,396.68

Restricted Funds
Roof Repairs	284.88				3,660.00
Specific Charitable Collections (see also Grants)			0.00		61.00
Transfer to CBF A/c re Fabric			3000.00		-
To INF (202R)	474.74	£759.62	628.07	£3,628.07	791.00	£4,512.00

TOTAL PAYMENTS		£9,170.30		£14,186.14		£14,139.16

Transfers to CBF A/c	2,000.00
Transfers to Roof & Refurbishment A/c	1,200.00

iii. Financial statement for the year ended 31st December 2005.
Roof & refurbishment fund receipts & payments account

RECEIPTS	2005		2004		2003
Incoming Resources from Donors	£		£		£	£
Covenants & Gift Aid (101)	430.00		990.00		560.00
Donations (103 + 105)	572.26		244.41		4848.24
Collections at Services (104)	112.00
Grants & Legacies (201 + 202)	29,736.00		4,500.00		1426.36
Tax Recovered (102)	284.88		-		605.00
Fund Raising	2,064.65	£33,199.79	2,804.08	£8,538.49	2012.57	9,452.17

Income from Investments
Bank Interest	0.00		0.00		14.00
CBF Account Interest	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	359.18
Sub Total Receipts		£33,199.79
Restricted receipts
Transfers from CBF Roof Fund A/c	7,400.00		6,190.23		15,800.00
Transfers from CBF General Account	9,000.00
Transfers from General Fund	1,200.00	£17,600.00	0.00	£6,190.23	4,000.00	20,173.18

Total Receipts		£50,799.79		£14,728.72		29,625.35

PAYMENTS

Roof Repairs (2012)	34,545.37		300.00		21,556.19
Items installed in church (2013)	-		800.00
Roof Repairs/Architects Fees (2015)	-	£34,545.37	6,476.03	£7,576.03	642.23

Fund Raising Costs (3000)	194.33		489.89	£489.89	772.90
Administration Costs (4000)	4.73	£199.06
Sub Total		£34,744.43
Transfers to Designated CBF Deposit Fund	5,000.00		6,000.00	£6,000.00	7,500.00	30,471.32
Transfers back to CBF General Account	9,000.00	£14,000.00
Total Payments		£48,744.43		£14,065.92		30,471.32

Bank Balance as at 01/01/05	756.60		93.80		1,298.95
CBF Balance as at 01/01/05	15.50		138.11		8,078.93
Add excess Receipts over Payments	2,055.36		540.19
Add CBF A/c Excess Receipts	170.69
Minus excess Payments over Receipts		2,998.15		772.10	9,145.97	231.91
Bank Balance as at 31/12/05	2,811.96		756.60		93.80
CBF Balance as at 31/12/05	186.19	2,998.15	15.50	772.10	138.11	231.91

iv. Central Board of Finance Investment Account: Designated roof & refurbishment fund. Balance sheet for the year ended 31st December 2005.

RECEIPTS		2005		2004		2003
Transfer from CBF Deposit fund 601181001	£2,500.00		£0.00
Transfers from Roof Fund account for year	£5,000.00		£6,000.00		£7,500.00
Interest applied for year	£70.69		£67.62		£359.18

Total receipts for year		£7,570.69		£6,067.62		£7,859.18

PAYMENTS

Transfers to Roof & Refurbishment Bank A/c	£7,400.00		£6,190.23		£15,800.00

Total Payments for Year		£7,400.00		£6,190.23		£15,800.00


Account Balance 01/01/05	£15.50		£138.11		£8,078.93
Excess Receipts over Payments	£170.69		£122.61		-7,940.82
Account Balance 31/12/05		£186.19		£15.50		£138.11

v. Statement of assets & liabilities as at 31st December 2005

	General	Fabric	Roof	Flower	TOTALS
	Fund		Fund	Fund	2005	2004	2003

Monetary Assets

CBF Investment account	0	9379.16	186.19	0.00		9894.66	7017.27
Bank Current Account	2007.47	0	2811.96	21.70		2539.45	1215.45
Total Cash Assets	2007.47	9379.16	2998.15	21.70	14406.48	12434.11	8232.72

Other Assets
3.5% War Stock Capital £34.25
Value at 31/12/05	£29.83
Magazine Advert fees owed	£0.00				£29.83	£121.50	£88.30
	29.83				14436.31	12555.61	8321.02

Liabilities

Share of fees owing to Diocese	180.00
INF re Lois Dingley	115.00
	295.00

Nett Liabilities	265.17
					-265.17	-1024.17	-2,009.21

Nett Assets					£14,171.14	£11,531.44	6311.81

vi. Flower Fund Balance Sheet for year ended 31 December

*Receipts*	2005	2004		2003

Bank Interest	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.12
Donations	0.00	0.00	0.00	20.00	20.12
Bank Refund	0.00	3.00	3.00

*Payments*

Flowers by request	0.00	7.50	7.50	6.00

Bank Account Balance at 01/01/05	21.70	26.20		15.08
Excess Receipts over Payments	0			14.12
Excess Payments over Receipts	0.00	4.50
Bank Account Balance at 31/12/05	21.70	21.70		29.20

vii. Central Board of Finance Investment Account: Designated General/Fabric Fund.
Balance Sheet for year ended 31 December 2005.

RECEIPTS		2005
	£	£
Transfers from Bank A/c	11,000.00



Total receipts for year		11,000.00

PAYMENTS

Transfers to Roof & Refurbishment Bank A/c	9,000.00
Transfers to Roof & Refurbishment CBF A/c	2,500.00
Total Payments for Year		11,500.00


Account Balance 01/01/05		9,879.16
Excess Payments over Receipts		500.00
Account Balance 31/12/05		9,379.16

E. Fabric, goods & ornaments

Richard Dingley (Church Warden)

The on-going roof repairs have been the main focus of interest during the past year. I am pleased to be able to report, as can be seen, that the refurbishment of the roof has been completed apart from a little tidying up by the contractors and that the scaffolding has been removed. At the same time the bells have been refurbished and re-hung.

The further refurbishment, re-ordering and decoration of the church is under active consideration and decisions will need to be made in co-operation with our architect, George Chedburn and taking into account the quinquennial survey which is now due.

The organ continues to be the cause of some difficulty and will be tuned in the near future – a postponed event due to the work in the chancel.

I would especially to place on record the thanks of all the PCC and congregation to the work done by Vic Skinner in obtaining grants from English Heritage and other charities which have enabled the work to be completed so far.

F. Church repair and refurbishment fundraising

Victor Skinner

At this point, last year, we had just completed the development stage of the Lottery funding project and were awaiting the response of English Heritage to our application for a repair grant.

We received an offer of a grant in August, 2005, which enabled us to proceed with the roof repairs, but we were left with a considerable sum to find ourselves. Fortunately our applications for further funding were successful. Here are the main figures:-

Total eligible cost of completing all roof repairs - £72,542

English Heritage grant from Lottery fund £48,000 _______

Shortfall £24,542

Recovery of VAT £10,804

Grant from Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels £2,000

Grant from Historic Churches Preservation Trust £2,000

Offer from Wyvern Environmental Trust £1,500

Fund raising projects in 2005 £2,065

Shortfall to be met by Church General funds £6,173 ---------

Unfortunately, we must pay bills before we can claim VAT recovery, so cash flow will be very tight for a time.

The main fund raising event of 2005 was the celebration of the 60^th Anniversary of VE Day, in the Memorial Hall on May 7th. The evening was enjoyed by all and raised £1226, of which the profit for the dinner/dance was £658, the profit on the draw was £394 and we sold commemorative tea towels, aprons etc. which netted £126. The money raised was very useful, but we could have done better with more help for a depleted committee and with selling tickets. Maureen Richardson provided her own team of caterers, and the majority of tickets were sold by only two people. The draw was most disappointing as it raised less that £400 and the value of the prizes, so generously given, was far in excess of £400. We sold almost twice as many draw tickets in previous years. The fund raising committee worked very hard over the past 5 years, but as we warned, our numbers had become too small to provide the momentum required to run another major event, and we disbanded. I should like to thank all those members who worked so hard, in preparing the Appeal and in supporting me in all of the fund raising events.

Our barn remains full of books, and we raised about £180 in sales. We lost the prime pitch on Wells market and did not consider it worthwhile to attend the Bishops Moat Race because we were offered a site well away from the main activities. We also refused a stall at the Strawberry Fair because we would find it difficult to make a profit after paying £15 for the stall. We have set up an account with the Book Barn and we shall take a stall at a book fayre in Wells Civic Centre. My thanks to Rita and Alison for their hard work.

We have taken out a licence for selling raffle tickets in 2005.

Thanks are due to everyone who ran various events and gave the profits to the Roof Repair and Refurbishment Fund.

G. Deanery Synod

Wendy Cartwright

At the last meeting of the Deanery Synod we had a very good and important presentation by Joanna Burridge. Joanna is the Christian Youth worker at the King's of Wessex and is sponsored by the Deanery. Her work is to be a Missionary within the school, and she is active both amongst the staff and the students. The ethos of her appointment is to

Build up the sense of community within the school, and those with whom we work in partnership
To continue to promote an attractive model of Christianity to students and others
To underpin and surround the school life in prayer.

This is a job for all of us in the Deanery, not just her. We need to feel a part of it. The students and staff are a part of our community, our congregation. They are that part of the worldwide mission of the Church for which we are directly responsible to God.

Her key areas of work include co-ordinating and leading assemblies; producing 'thoughts for the day'; organising the church services; supporting and developing the Christian Union and prayer groups as well as networking with the local community.

We need to support this work especially by prayer - there is a prayer group for parents and carers which we can join by e-mail if that is easier. Joanna can provide updates for our parish magazine. We can offer our support and participation in both the assemblies and the Christian Union and provide resources - practical skills, equipment or cash.

If you can help in any way or would be willing to support their prayer network then Joanna can be contacted at the school:

Tel: 0194 742 608 x 108
E-mail JBurridge@educ.somerset.gov.uk

H. Worship Group report

Thea Oliver

The worship group is made up of representatives from both St Peter’s Church & St Leonard’s Church. We meet quarterly and our discussions are centred on the planning of worship at both Churches and for joint services.

During this last year, at St Peter’s, we have had a trial of non-Eucharistic family services on the first Sunday of the month; this was in response to the village questionnaire about types of worship that would attract those who may be put off attending more formal communion services. These have been led by different members of the congregation. While they have been enjoyable and sometimes thought provoking they did not attract many ‘extra’ worshipers and indeed a several of regular Church attenders expressed a preference that Eucharist be celebrated every week (or else they simply stayed away). With this in mind we will be trialling informal style family communion services in their place for six months.

During the worship group meetings we discuss styles of worship, themes for services (e.g. Amnesty international, Patronal festivals, Education Sunday, Guest preachers, etc).

On March 26th Rev. Stanley Price was re-licensed as Priest-in-Charge of our Benefice and during that Service our ‘fledgling preaching team’ was commissioned: Richard Dingley as Reader, Rev. Gordon Jeff; licensed to officiate, and Chris Green & Thea Oliver licensed to address the congregation 4 times in the year.

We often find we have much more to discuss than the time allows, but would welcome anyone who would like to join us and be involved, or who would like to share their ideas for worship at our Churches.

I. Covenant report

John Cartwright, Covenant Secretary

This will be my last report as your Covenant Secretary. As our Treasurer has already told you, we will be moving from this part of the country and therefore will not stand for office again this year.

In order to help the handover to the next Covenant Secretary, I will complete the Income Tax claim for the tax year 6th April 2005 to 5th April 2006 and I have also distributed the envelopes for this next year to those people who pay that way.

During the past year I have arranged for 4 extra covenants to be set up which has brought the number to 42, so when I have completed the tax return we may see an increase on the previous year.

J. School report

Nikki Devitt, Foundation Governor

Last year Stanley relinquished his ex officio post as a governor at the First School, and I replaced him on the Governing Body.

The school children continue to attend Assembly in the church on alternate Wednesday mornings, with Stanley officiating. They behave respectfully in the church and join enthusiastically in the responses, the activities and the singing. They also join in saying the Lord’s Prayer; it’s good to see children of all ages are familiar with this.

The special services for the school and the children’s parents on the Friday before Harvest and Mothering Sunday have also been well attended.

Interestingly the parents have just completed a feedback questionnaire for school, with a 66% response rate. All the respondents agreed with the statement ‘I am aware that the school is a church school and this creates a caring, Christian environment’.

This suggests that despite the absence of the children and their families from our worship on a Sunday, there is an appreciation of what the church stands for. Perhaps we can nurture this contact by more members of our congregation attending the school services on Wednesdays and the special Fridays, to demonstrate that the school is part of a greater worshipping community.

K. Magazine

(presented verbally- see minutes)

L. Diocesan Synod

Wendy Cartwright

The most important message that has come out of the last two Diocesan Synods is that "Church" is, first and foremost, "both the fruit of God's Mission - those whom he has redeemed, and the agent of his mission - the community through whom he acts for the world in redemption." (Resourcing Mission - 4.1)

In the Mission of God

'There IS a church because there is a mission NOT vice versa.' (David Bosch)
'The Church of God does not have a Mission, but the God of Mission has a Church! ' (Robin Greenwood)

Often congregations refuse to accept the disturbing trends of change hoping a "new programme," might fix it.

The need for change in our attitudes to Church is urgent. It is no good saying we need more money for more resources - that is the way of the world - God's way is different - put the Lord FIRST in everyday life.

"In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Church has all the resources it needs to conduct its Mission task.

We repeat, it is NOT a lack of money which causes the church to struggle to fulfil its mission task, but rather a poverty of vision." (Resourcing Mission 13.1)

The important message from the Synod deserves serious consideration and action by all members of the PCC and congregation

M. Charitable Giving

(presented verbally- see minutes)

N. Bible Study

Thea Oliver

We meet most Thursday evenings in the homes of group members for an informal and very enjoyable time reading, exploring and discussing the Bible facilitated by Chris Green. We regularly number around 5 but have plenty of room for more and everyone is welcome to attend, there is no compulsion to attend every week! We are a friendly group who enjoy the fellowship and the coffee as much as the discussions! During the last year we have studied the Gospels of Mark and Mathew and have started exploring the Acts of the Apostles. As a group we led the morning service at St Peter’s at the start of Advent. We also looked at study courses for Lent and made recommendations to the PCC.

We have each joined a different ecumenical Lent study group so we are not meeting again until after Easter. We usually take a break during the summer and plan to start again in September. If anyone is interested in joining us please contact Chris Green or Thea Oliver.

O. Incumbent’s Summary

Stanley Price, Priest in charge

Firstly, I am very pleased, and humbled, that you asked me to continue as Priest-in-Charge for another year. I enjoy working with you all; the fellowship is a happy and hopeful one. I have seen you grow from some disillusionment, to confidence in the need for a church in Draycott. No one talks of closing St Peter’s any more. The grant from English Heritage which enabled us to complete the roof repairs just a week ago, and the prospects of obtaining funds to embark upon refurbishing and reordering the church is, for me, a sure sign that God has a purpose for the church building. It is after all an answer to prayer.

An exciting development for me, and I am sure for you, is the formation of our new Preaching Team. I am so pleased that Chris Green and Thea Oliver have agreed to take part in this experiment. I have not doubt they will do well and I hope they will be blessed by God in their ministry to us. I am delighted that Gordon Jeff has asked the Bishop for Permission to Officiate so that he can join Richard Dingley and me in the team. I am sure everyone will agree this is a very welcome development

We have experimented with worship during the past year, in response to the worship questionnaire returns, embarking on an experiment with non-Eucharistic services on the first Sunday of the month over a six month period. These were well received but didn’t produce a hoped for surge in attendance by parents and children. They did attract some people who otherwise might not have come but the PCC decided not to continue with the experiment. We did enjoy an adventure into a different Holy Communion service on the 5th Sundays we share with Rodney Stoke, adapting a service from the Iona Community. We have used this twice now and it proves popular with everyone. We will use it again at the end of this month. Occasional Taisé evening services are also well received. Together these indicate a desire for some variation in our worship and this is an area we need to continue to explore. I have the feeling we may have misinterpreted the Worship Survey results. We were looking for decisive evidence that there was a desire for change which would suit everyone, whereas the results in percentage terms were more or less evenly spread over the range of alternatives on offer in the survey. It is difficult to suit a wide variety of preferences when there is only one act of worship on Sunday and we have to continue to ask ourselves whether we can appeal to more people by varying the pattern on offer. I think the Worship Group should look again at the survey results.

We have had some encouraging services with the school again in the past year. The Friday afternoons preceding Harvest and Mothering Sunday were again well attended by parents. The regular Wednesday morning assemblies are appreciated by the children who seem to enjoy coming. They are well behaved and attentive and their recitation of the Lord’s Prayer is positive and commendable.

A new development during the year has been the initial implementation of the Mendip Local Ministry Group, comprising the parishes and benefices of Cheddar, Axbridge, Shipham and Rowberrow and Crook Peak group as well as Rodney Stoke and Draycott. Early signs are encouraging for the future co-operation between the clergy and readers. There is much good will and a desire to make it work. We must hope and pray that the development of the Group will be well received and supported by the people generally and that it will work well for the growth of God’s kingdom in this area.

Some changes which are less welcome are ahead of us. In particular with the imminent departure of John and Wendy Cartwright. We are now in urgent need of replacement Covenant Secretary and Honorary Treasurer. John and Wendy will be hard acts to follow and I would like to add my appreciation to those already expressed for their dedication, hard work and expertise over many years.

I also say thank you to the PCC, churchwardens and workers generally without naming individuals (so as not to forget anyone). Suffice to say we have a very good team of happy hard working people for the church of St Peter. You and the people of Draycott deserve a redecorated and refurbished church, so let’s pray that by this time next year we are well on the way to completion of the work.

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