The new Council met on Sunday 8th June after church. Important points to emerge:
Finance – good progress so far this year. We are on track and ahead of budget and have already raised 38% of the year’s income.
Buildings – A report of the forthcoming refurbishment was presented. This will cover rewiring, new plumbing in the kitchen to accommodate a bigger sink and dishwasher, remodelling the vestry & kitchen and some improvement to the church floor. The project and budget were agreed, including limited work on the floor. Outside of the refurbishment we are trialling this summer a portable air con unit for indoors events.
Externally we agreed to approach the Cemetery Foundation about removing the van, bar and asbestos and replacing the shed. We will also discuss with them permission and funding for a handrail for the slope up from the gates.
Outreach – We are focussed on running a ‘messy church’ event as part of a new drive to develop children’s ministry. In addition, we agreed to use the revised welcome brochure and sign-up cards to build contacts, especially with visitors, and pass their addresses on to the newsletter editors and the mailing lists for events and services, where indicated. In addition, Fr Louis will follow up new congregation members each Monday.
Events – We are currently in the middle of our busy summer season for events, following a very successful concert by Fleetwood Mac tribute band, The Chain, in May. As well as discussing the numbers attending, we agreed to create a publicity strategy with processes and checklists.
Liturgy – It was agreed to make a general announcement asking for volunteers to read in church. We are also keen to find a Director of Music and prepare to start a choir. In addition, Fr Louis reported that plans are now in place for the Parish Trip to Tangiers in October.