THE MINUTES OF THE 84TH ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING AND ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS
AND THE 84TH ANNUAL PAROCHIAL MEETING HELD IN THE CHURCH HALL
ON WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL 2003
The meeting, chaired by Guy Wilson, opened at 7:30pm. George Mackey led us in prayer.
Vestry Meeting
1. Election of Churchwardens (chaired by George Mackey)
Nominations were received for Guy Wilson and Ann Taylor and they were duly elected as Church Wardens for the coming year.
Parochial Meeting
1. Apologies for any absence
Apologies were received from Dorothy Barker, Barbara Blinston, Sue and Bill Baugh, Brenda Dawson, Gary Hinchcliffe, Angus Holmes, Irene Kelly, and Ian Paxton.
2. Minutes of 83rd Annual Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were passed as a correct record. Proposed by Ann Taylor, seconded by Maurice Worsnop.
3. Matters Arising - PCC Membership Proposal
Guy Wilson read out the proposal for membership of the PCC. Guy indicated that these rules are in accordance with general church rules. Proposed by Norman Castle, seconded by Geoff Manock. Passed with one abstention.
4. Presentation of Electoral Roll
The roll now has 136 members. Three names removed and three names were added. John Robinson will carry on as electoral roll officer.
5. Receipt of 2002 Annual Report
The parish heartily thanked Brenda Dawson for her service as Church Warden over the past three years. Guy Wilson highlighted the arrival of George and Judy Mackey after the vacancy. The parish expressed their gratitude for the ministry of the Mackeys and thanked them for coming to Birstwith from so far away. Guy addressed the united benefice proposal received from the diocese. A dialogue between our parish and the diocese is beginning to formalize the arrangement.
6. Reports from Church Organisations
Reports from church organisations were distributed and discussed. The parish heartily thanks Roy Bradshaw for his service as organist, choir director and for his help with the orchestra. Roy arranged parts for all levels of musical ability to allow greater participation in the church orchestra. Janet Mitchell added a new Director of Education, Mr. Sedgewick, for both the diocese of Ripon and Leeds and the diocese of Bradford, will start in June 2003.
7. Report of Priest
George Mackey thanked the parish and the church wardens, Guy Wilson and Brenda Dawson, for the wonderful welcome they received in Birstwith. George found the lay ministry at St James to be loving, strong, and well organized. He spoke about learning new services, such as Christingle, and how fulfilling his ministry has been at St James so far. He thanked the parish for their love and acceptance and concluded by saying 'May God in His infinite wisdom strengthen each and every one of us in his love and compassion and search for his kingdom. This we will do together'.
8. Report on the proceedings from Deanery and Diocesan Synods
a) Deanery Synod - Elspeth Wright prepared a report that is attached to these minutes. Elspeth highlighted the joint activities with the Methodist Church and Presbterian Church.
b) Diocesan Synod - Ann Taylor prepared a report that is attached to these minutes.
Ann highlighted the child protection measures.
9. Presentation and Adoption of Accounts
After thanks to Pam Wilson, the accounts were adopted as presented. Janet Mitchell commented that charitable contributions were maintained despite the deficit for 2002. Proposed by Norman Castle, seconded by Maurice Worsnop.
10. Finances and our Future
Guy Wilson discussed the financial situation for our parish. Next year's diocesan share is uncertain, but sure to increase. Maintenance expenses will increase, given the current age of the church. Ways to curtail the shortfall include fundraising efforts that extend beyond the worshipping community, revitalizing the stewardship campaign, and reducing expenses wherever possible. The parish will also proactively consider possible paths in the event the parish cannot make up the shortfall. The new PCC will form a working party to address these matters. Geoff Herbert bid our prayers and challenged us to increase the size of the congregation.
11. Election of Independent Examiner
It was agreed that we ask Jim Clough to carry on for next year. The secretary will write to thank Jim and ask him to carry on.
12. Election of Parochial Church Council
The following were duly elected by acclamation:
Fiona Aagaard, Sue Baugh, Norman Castle, Connie Chintall, Louise Garnett and Janet Mitchell
The PCC reserves the option to co-opt another member during this year. The parish thanks Maurice Worsnop, has faithfully served as a member of the PCC for 45 years.
13. Nomination and Election of sidesmen and sideswomen
The list of sidesmen and sideswomen was read aloud and they were duly elected. Proposed Maurice Worsnop, seconded by Norman Castle.
14. Notices
None
15. Any Other Business
The parish heartily thanks Brenda Dawson for her faithful service in editing and producing the parish magazine. We acknowledge the new editors Ruth Raspin and Guy Wilson.
The meeting closed in prayer at 8:35pm.