REPORTS TO THE APCM. CLERGY REPORT:

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1 REPORTS TO THE APCM. CLERGY REPORT: First and foremost I would like to thank every single one of you for all your support for me personally and for everything you are doing to support St Luke's. Sadly this year has not been the best as the parish lost a good friend and Vicar, and I lost a friend and colleague, in August when Rev'd Ian Godfrey died unexpectedly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Audrey and her family. They not only have to deal with the loss of a much loved husband and father, but with the loss of their home. As well as with the task of finding a new home without the support of Ian. Ian had been quite unwell for some months leading to his death which had already put some pressure on to the Church Wardens and PCC to ensure that all weekly services were covered along with all wedding and other occasional offices. I would like to thank and Chris Clifford as well as Marilyn Lloyd for all they did to keep the services running smoothly during this time and particularly around the time of Ian's death as I was away for most of August on a training course. Ian's funeral was a large scale event at which Bishop Peter presided there must have been some three - four hundred people in attendance from all over the country and the local area. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Swettenham which had been his wish. At beginning of September we embarked on a strategy to put the Parish on a firm spiritual and financial footing. This was in order to make us more attractive to clergy who may be looking to move from their present post. To this end we established a new pattern of worship for Sunday services. The first and third Sunday of the month to be Parish Communion, the second Sunday to be family worship and known as '2nd Sunday ' using the youth and children's workers and signing choir to prepare worship suitable for people from nine to ninety. This has been a great success thank you to all involved. The fourth Sunday is now Morning Praise a slightly less formal morning prayer which also seems to be well received. We are hugely encouraged by the acceptance and attendance at these services. The Christmas workshop was terrific, with many people giving up precious time at that time of year to help. Thank all of those involved I can't name you all because I didn't really know you all myself you all worked so hard thank you. Our alternative worship 'Sacred Space' seems to have taken off, with a faithful group of about twelve people attending each month. Midweek communion on Wednesdays has a small but faithful congregation which is actually growing slowly. Although during my absence they have worshipped at St Luke's Holmes Chapel where they have been warmly welcomed. We have had 5 weddings, 10 funerals and 5 baptisms in this past year. I do try to make every one of these occasional offices a mission opportunity by being welcoming and as open to people's wishes as is possible. We have a wedding booked for 2018 on the strength of a funeral conducted this year. We have also baptisms booked on the strength of meeting parents at school events. I have only heard positive feed-back, (if you have heard otherwise please let me know), from the special services we have had here at St Luke's this year so it would seem that we are on the right track. I am hugely encouraged by the reaction to these moves and would like to thank you all for being open minded and generous in your support of all we have been doing, thank you. 1

2 We have had some large expenses, which John will explain to you all, including the cost of rebuilding/ repairing the retaining walls below the church and the cost of clergy covering services while Ian was ill and I'm away. Thankfully we have the services of a very able and experienced treasurer who has pointed out our position and given advice on the way forward. Thank you John. We therefore, find ourselves in a perilous financial situation which does need to be addressed. It is proposed to have a fundraising appeal soon and you will hear more about that from others. I would also urge everyone to review their giving so that we can regain a firm financial position. Remembering that just as the cost of living has risen so has the cost of maintaining this beautiful church. It is my belief that, as a parish, St Luke's need to be in a strong state financially and spiritually in order to attract a clergy person who would inspire and revitalise the church here in Goostrey. This is why the pattern of worship was reviewed and the finances examined closely. The worship, is I believe varied, lively and well on the way to being as good as we can get it; the finances have been examined and steps are being taken to get them in to the state required. This last may take time and may well be reflected in how the Diocese treats this parish in the future. The PCC is of the opinion that St Luke's would be best served by a part time clergy person perhaps with another role in the Diocese and the Diocese is considering this option. There is also a strong possibility that the vicarage may be sold and another more convenient home bought for the clergy appointed. This would ease our financial burden and help the parish to regain some reserves. However, the timescale for all of this is somewhat vague (at the time of writing February 22nd). Things may have progressed by now and I'm sure you will be informed of this is so. Largely because of the above considerations Bishop Peter has proposed that St Peter's is combined with the parish of Easton and Hulme Walfield which is with Marton and Siddington under the care of Revd Ian Arch. This would be quite a logical grouping as people of these parishes mix in many ways already. The Bishop also plans that my ministry would move to that parish in the fullness of time. However, I would like to reassure you all that, I would do my best to continue to support St Luke's until your future is settled and even after that if you would invite me back from time to time. I remain committed to conduct weddings here for this year. All I can in closing is a HUGE thank you to everyone, I can't begin to name you all, for your support of me personally and your support of St Luke's throughout this very difficult year. THANK YOU! Pamela. WARDENS REPORT: Our report for this year covers two very different periods. For the first period of about three months when Ian was alive, whilst not always able to carry out his role because of his serious illness, he was there to consult and provide assurances that we were doing as he wanted for the continuation of the church. For the remainder of the year, although there was a valued supporting frame work of visiting preachers and the more senior members of the Diocese, we were much more on our own. As my experience as a warden only began in May this year, I would like to emphasize how much Liz has done in keeping us busy on ensuring the wellbeing of our church and the day to day organisation of our services for both the Goostrey and Swettenham parishes. Looking back on the PCC reports, for May last year, Rosemary Cartwright and Joyce and David Mason became new members, I was welcomed as a new warden and Roger Bennett was co-opted to the PCC for this year. Pamela Soult became the main stream preacher until her time in New Zealand and has done much for our church. July s report was very encouraging with plans up to September. Many thanks to John Harris for the 2

3 Pentecost and Rose Day services, with more children plus Ian with his smile in a wheelchair for Rose Day. By September, the Diocesan Finance Officer provided advice regarding reclaiming fees. Pamela and Liz attended the Deanery Synod and were informed that, with a standard parish share, the cost of one vicar for this Diocese was 58,347, rising by 2-3% per year. The joint Harvest Festival continued with our Methodist church. The report for November stated little progress on the appointment of a new vicar. Finally for January this year, Liz and I together with Rosemary and Roger attended the isingpop concert as a new venture given to Goostrey School by our church from a special children s trust, instigated by Ian. We are indebted to Ian for his stalwart efforts to the end, and to Pamela and Howard Lawton as nonstipendiaries, plus John Varty Bernard Sword, Colin Crumpton, Gary Bowness and others as invited vicars for leading our other services. We wish to give a special thank you to Tony Sparham for two morning services. Special thanks to Maureen Bayley and Louise Lawton for their work with leading our all age worship and the Children's Workshops. We benefit from the voluntary efforts of the loyal members of the Church choir and our range of organists, Gordon Salmon, Roger Burgess, David Cartwright, Gerald Foster Clarke and Hannah Bayley plus the Signing Choir for their much appreciated music. We also must mention the coffee ladies, the flower arrangers, the Parish Magazine distributors, the church cleaners, David Mason for his wheelchair services and many other helping hands. However, we must not forget the one lady, Marilyn, who is always first to arrive and last to leave to lock/unlock the church. There was no immediate response to our village wide plea for help with our communications and fundraising but Andrew Shanahan has volunteered to work for and with us on our website, Facebook page and with Craig on the magazine. We are very grateful to Andrew for taking this under his wing. Chris Clifford WORSHIP AND LEARNING (WaLT) REPORT: Members of the Team are - Pamela Soult, Howard Lawton, Brian & Helen Barnett, Maureen Bayley, Christine Clifford, Caroline Fallon, Liz Foster-Clark, Karen Gay, Andy Gill, Rachael Hadden and Louise Lawton. Under Pam and Howard s leadership, the WaLT s focus has been on the planning, organising and reviewing special services. The Team has met three times during the year to review what we offer and seek new ways of making our faith more relevant in this 21 st Century in the hope of attracting more, younger people and families into our Christian Community. Pam, Maureen, Louise and Rachael have worked hard this year on developing the Second Sunday Services which have been popular. Pamela, Howard and Caroline have been looking at ideas for Experimental Worship and have introduced Sacred Space as another style of worship which is growing in popularity. Other ideas for worship are also being considered. Brian & Helen Barnett WaLT, young people report: Over the last year The Young People's Team have provided the Good Friday and a Christmas workshops and these have been attended by both young children and a few young people have also come along to help. In summer at the parish picnic there was a supervised craft table. The Children's team would like to thank all those who help, without their help we would not be able to run these workshops. As well has the themed family services Christingle, Rose Day, Education Sunday, Crib Service and Mothers Day a "2nd Sunday" Family Service has also been introduced. At this service our aim is to be very child friendly so the children can relate to the service and feel included. To ensure that as a Church we are welcoming to all children and young families at all our 9.45am services, we are providing a Christian craft and activity table by the Children's corner at the back of church during the service. 3

4 The St Luke's Star Signers have grown in numbers this year to 12 young people. The Signing Choir has performed at many young people's services and often volunteer to help with prayers and readings. A big thank you to all these children and to Rachael Bayley who teaches and leads this Choir. We should also like to thank the young musicians who played at the Crib Service and look forward to them performing at other family services if they wish to do so. Maureen Bayley PASTORAL CARE(PasCa) REPORT: Team members are Helen Birchenough, Rosemary Cartwright, Ayleen Jarvis, David and Joyce Mason, and Jacquey Sutton This year the PasCa Team have met every other month in order to be aware and keep a record of those whom we are visiting from St Luke s and in the village. We continue to send or deliver cards when appropriate and invitations are sent out to those who have recently had baptisms. Our Memorial and Thanksgiving Service at the beginning of November was well attended and continues to be appreciated we were delighted that almost everyone stayed to chat and enjoy the refreshments afterwards. The Lights of Love Christmas Tree this year raised In February 8 of us attended a course on Effective Listening Practice which we hope will help us in our visitations. It was an excellent day and we are grateful to the church for funding this training session. If you know or hear of anyone who would benefit from a visit in hospital, at home or in residential care do please contact a member of the team. Rosemary Cartwright The Drop In "TEAM" has this year, tried to ensure that it's members continue to enjoy each meeting, and be entertained by a variety of speakers. The trips out, were to Congleton garden centre in May, the Watermead for lunch twice during the year, and a visit to Buxton. in September. Our carol service was held in St. Luke's in December, followed by lunch in the village hall and is a particular highlight for many of the group. Our fund raising this year proved to be quite lucrative with a pound stall in July at our garden party, raising almost 100, plus the "swap it" in August making over 100. Sadly this year we have lost two of our most valued members. Marjory Riddell and Margaret Patton died this year, and both are sadly missed. Looking ahead we have an almost full programme of speakers. In April we have a Methodist minister amusing us with tales of, the women in his life, and in June life at Little Moreton Hall. will be the subject of John Deakin's talk. The Watermead will be the venue for our lunch dates in June and October, and May sees us all visiting Fryer's nursery. In August plans are in progress to visit the Southport Flower show. We have two special birthdays in April and September, for those members whose birthday ends in a naught. We have lots to look forward to and the team (who are amazing, a big thank you from me by the way) look forward to making it all possible, and welcoming new members, also members of the PCC Helpers - May Ainsworth, Helen Birchenough, Jean Buckroyd, Rosemary Cartwright, Margi Raines, Monica Robson, June Seddon, Jacquey Sutton and Dorothy Warburton. Dorothy Warburton OUTREACH REPORT: Team Members are:-angela Gilmore, Caroline Fallon,, Jean Linden, Peter Swash In early June we again hosted a summer visit from friends in Longsight with lunch at the Village Hall and a big thank you to Jean Linden who hosted tea in her garden 4

5 Come Christmas a special meal was once again provided for those at TLC - St Luke's Centre - in Longsight. Special thanks are due to those who provided all of the items and delivered in such a timely manner that they were up at Longsight by 10.15am on Christmas Eve. This year there will be no Summer visit by our friends from Longsight as we do not have the volunteers to sort this. FUNDRAISING & EVENTS REPORT: Team members are: Linda Corbishley, Martin Corbishley, Pat Roberts and the Wardens We were delighted by Jill and Ray Brown's offer to hold a parish picnic at The Orchards in the summer in place of the annual plant sale. Unfortunately there was a wet start to the day and it was not as well attended as was hoped but, thanks to Ray and Jill's hard work, those who did attend had a great time. The Harvest Supper was a great success - we prepared and served the food ourselves and Roy Duff organised entertainment by the Salt City Jazzmen who were very much enjoyed, so much so that Roy has arranged for them to play a selection "Sacred and Secular" in St Luke's on May 6th. The Christmas Fair was not as successful as we had hoped in that very few children attended, due possibly to the fact that the school Christmas Fair was the following week. The PCC decided that we should switch to an Autumn Fait which will be held on October 28th this year. There are a few events in the pipeline and we repeat that we really need someone to volunteer to be coordinator of this group so that we can continue to organise some fun together and to raise much needed funds for our lovely Church. FABRIC REPORT: Team members are:- Chris Clifford, Linda and Martin Corbishley, Roy Duff There have been no Meetings of the Group this year as we have completed routine. The original work on the East boundary wall was completed but it was then discovered, under ivy growth that the southern end of the East boundary wall needed attention and repointing work which has started. We shall now have to decide which of the work identified in the Quinquennial Report we can actually afford. Routine maintenance - examining the fire extinguishers, lightning conductor and all electrical items has been carried out, with no problems arising. We have also had to have the drains professionally cleared. Terence Rathbone, Brian Barnett, Roger Dyke, Martin Corbishley, David Mason, Bill Macdonald, Roger Bennett and Andy Gill have dealt with minor problems, with little or no cost involved and, in the financial circumstances, we are very grateful for all this selfless help OTHER ORGANISATIONS REPORTS: Choir Report: The choir continues to support the worship at St Luke s. We also introduce new more modern hymns during the communion with a view to making them familiar to the congregation so they can be used in the services in future. With the new format of services I am able to have more refreshing choice of hymns thanks to the input of Maureen and Louise for Second Sunday Worship. Thanks also to Pam who has also had some new ideas for making our worship more meaningful and purposeful. If there are any people who would like to join us we would welcome new members. 5

6 I would like to take this opportunity to thank our organists, Roger,David, Gordon and Hannah for their marvellous ministry. Thank you to all the members of the choir for your support. Looking forward to an exciting new year. The choir continues to support the worship at St Luke s. We also introduce new more modern hymns during the communion with a view to making them familiar to the congregation so they can be used in the services in future. If there are any people who would like to join us we would welcome new members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our organists, particularly Roger and David for their help at practices. Thank you to all the members of the choir for your support. Gill Buxton St Luke's Friends: We have had our usual year of interesting meetings. Ian, our Chairman should have been our first Speaker in May, but unfortunately he was not well. We miss him very much. We have listened to some of our older Members, in particular Ruth, Peggy and Margaret. Unfortunately Ruth is in a Home now, but she is 101, and is visited regularly. Gill always keeps our minds alert with her quizzes and puzzles, and we love the big "pass the parcel" at Christmas. We could not sit in the garden in July, but ventured out to see what was growing, and how tidy it was. In October, Debbie spoke to us about Cambridge, and we imagined ourselves inside Kings College Chapel with her. Joyce brought some gorgeous quilts in November. She told us some of the history of Patchwork. When we do it ourselves we can evoke memories with some particular pieces of material. Then we had our Christmas party, but for our usual AGM and Communion we are waiting until May, when Pam will have returned. Marjorie Riddell did not come to many of our meetings, but we were sorry to hear that she had died. Our meetings take place on the second Monday afternoon of the month, and it would do us good to have a few new members. All would be welcome. Norah Relph for Marilyn Lloyd. Intercontinental Church Society: You will find up-to-date news leaflets on the chest at the back of Church. Please do take one and, perhaps, pass it on to someone else who might be interested in the work of the I.C.S. We are still being asked to pray for the people of the Middle East and also North Africa. May I also remind you that we are still collecting used stamps for the Society. These can be put in the plastic folder hanger on the notice board. Jean Linden Parish Magazine: The Parish Magazine is delivered to 665 homes in the village, 10 are sent by post, 14 are collected from Church and 80 go to Swettenham. The sales of the Magazine and the advertising fees continue to add a considerable amount to the Church funds. Our editor, Craig Brandreth, collates all the material and prepares it for Emma Donaldson to format ready for the printers. We owe Craig a huge thank you for his ideas and all he does behind the scenes to ensure that the magazine is produced for distribution around the end of each month A big thank you too to David and Joyce Mason who count out and allocate the magazine. Thanks also to Giles Shorrock and Peter Swash who deliver to the deliverers; to Marilyn Lloyd for organising the adverts; to Mike Jarvis for dealing with subscriptions; to Emma at Original Design for her work and her patience; to all the 6

7 advertisers for their custom; and last but by no means least, the army of 54 volunteers who distribute to the homes. Tower Report: This will be available later. REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONGLETON DEANERY SYNOD: The Congleton Deanery Synod has met four times since our last APCM. and reports on such issues as General Synod, Diocesan Synod, Mission and Pastoral Issues, and Diocesan Education Committee have been presented. Andy and I attended the first meeting at which we were told of the work being done to ensure freedom to enjoy Christian worship in the Middle East, Pamela led an afternoon's meditation at St Peter's, Swettenham and she and I attended a meeting on the Parish Share, where it was explained how that was worked out. Neither Andy nor I could attend the November meeting as it was our PCC meeting and neither of us could attend the one in February. The Synod has continued to address matters of Deanery Finance, consider various issues pertinent to the present time, and to have the opportunity to share news and information between the parishes. 7