APCM Report—portlandparish.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/8/4/27849553/2018_report_b… · 4 -APCM Report—2018 All Saints – Ms. C Troubridge, Mrs. B Hamilton, Mrs. V Louch and Mrs

24 -APCM Report—2018

1 - APCM Report—2018


THE PARISH OF PORTLAND APCM

HELD AT ST. ANDREWS HALL ON WEDNESDAY 5TH APRIL 2017

Churchwardens

Prior to the meeting Rev Gomm has asked Mrs. J Butcher if she was willing to continue as Churchwarden of All Saints. She stated that she was willing. Mr. R McColm has stood down as Churchwarden for St. Johns. Mrs. S King stood as Churchwarden for St. Johns. There is still a vacancy at St. Andrews.

There were 22 people present.

1. Prayers.

Rev T Gomm opened the meeting in prayer.

2. To inform the members present of the result of the meeting held previously regarding Churchwardens.

Mrs .J Butcher was willing to continue in her post as Churchwarden for All Saints.

It was proposed by Rev J Menzies, seconded by Mrs. D Price that Mrs. King be accepted as Churchwarden for St. Johns. All present were in favour of both Mrs. Butcher and Mrs. King acting as Churchwardens.

3. Apologies.

Apologies were received from Mr & Mrs. C Cade, Ms. C Troubridge, Mrs. A Hoskins and Mrs. D Ralston.

4. To agree the Minutes of the 2016 APCM.

It was proposed by Mrs. M Olsson, seconded by Mrs. J McPheat and carried unanimously that these were a true record.

5. Matters arising from the Minutes.

There were no matters arising that were not covered in the Agenda.

6. The reports (copies have been available in all 3 Churches)

Copy of report booklet on file.

7. Treasurer.


The group is still in its early stages, however has played a significant role in ensuring each church of the Parish receives accurate information about events through having one news sheet being circulated and collated by one person – Carol Callis. We want to thank Carol for her endeavours to make sure that all the information is organised and correct. A suggested checklist was developed by the group to consider how and where it would be best to advertise events. This encompasses paper, internet and radio advertising methods. There is a current project in progress to develop a Directory of ‘members’ – the aim of this is to Cultivate Contacts, Keep Connected & Grow Community.

Thank you to all of the group members for your commitment and input: Angela Hoskins, Carol Callis, Rev James Menzies, Jenny McPheat, Karen Gomm and Rev Tim Gomm.

NOTES.


support has confirmed my calling from God and it’s been an incredible journey.

Foyle Bank.– Karen Gomm

We continue to meet on the first Wednesday of the Month in the main lounge. We said goodbye to Joan and Hilda during last year, very sad but for them a new adventure. We have also welcomed new members. Sue Geible leads us in our singing which is such a blessing, thank you.

In December Tim and I led a carol service which was very well attended. The Foyle bank congregation feel a part of the parish and it’s a pleasure to visit them.

Communication Steering Group Report for the APCM

5 priority areas were identified to be focussed on as part of the Portland Parish away day and one of these areas was communication. In response to this Greg Jackson suggested that a group could be setup in order to develop communications, this was agreed by the PCC and the group was established in May 2017. The group made a good start by gaining members from each congregation who are actively involved and met together to develop the terms of reference and an action plan.

The terms of reference outlined the purposes of the Communication Steering Group as:

To highlight communication difficulties, recommend potential solutions and primarily to improve and develop methods of communications. To develop the distribution of accurate and timely information and to establish processes to enable the most effective form(s) of communication be used to reach the particular audience the information is aimed at.

To monitor progress of the implementation of agreed recommendations, receive feedback and in turn report back to the PCC.

It has been communicated to the congregations through the news sheet and announcements that this group is in place.


Mrs. J Butcher, who has taken on the post of Treasurer from Mrs. A Hoskins, gave her report. She started by thanking Mrs. Hoskins for her time and patience while she is learning the ropes. She also thanked the cashiers for each Church, Mr. P Augustine, Mrs. J Camp, Mr. R McColm, Mrs. Hoskins who has taken over responsibility as cashier for St. Johns Hall and Mrs Callis as cashier for C2000. Mrs Butcher stated that, although she used to work in a bank, she is finding the computer program very complex and still needs support in this direction. The meeting were also asked to consider paying their collections by standing order rather than putting in the yellow envelopes each week. This would save the Treasurer a great deal of work.

8. Responses to the reports and the Treasurer’s report.

Rev Gomm thanked Mrs. Callis for all the work she puts into running C 2000 and also for the offer of taking on the weekly pew sheets for all three Churches.

Mrs. J McPheat commented on the good job carried out on St. Andrews wall. At this point Rev Gomm expressed his thanks to Mr. D Camp who has put the railings in place and also to him and Mrs. Camp for footing the bill for said railings.

Rev Gomm also stated that the work carried out by Lamings Builders at St. Andrews and the Window 13 at All Saints has been paid for.

9. PCC members

There are two vacancies at St. Johns.

Mr. Steve King was proposed by Mr. R McColm and seconded by Mrs. K Gomm.

Mr. Roger McColm was proposed by Mrs. M Olsson and seconded by Mr. I McPheat.

Both these proposals were unanimously agreed to by all present.

9.a – Co-operation. Mr. G Jackson wanted to stand for the PCC as a member of St Johns, but he now attends All Saints Church and therefore can no longer stand as a member for that Church so it was proposed by Rev J Menzies, seconded by Mr. R McColm and carried unanimously that he be a co-opted member for a year.

10. To elect sidespeople for each Church.


All Saints – Ms. C Troubridge, Mrs. B Hamilton, Mrs. V Louch and Mrs. G Smith.

St. Johns - Mrs. M Olsson, Mrs. K Gomm, Mrs. S King and Mrs. D Ralston.

St. Andrews – Mr. G Hayward, Mrs. L Hayward, Mrs. C Lock, Mrs. A Fenlon, Mrs. J Sutton, Mrs. A Hoskins, Mrs. T Shakespeare, Mrs. L Hornby and Mrs. J Camp.

11. To elect one person to join the Deanery Synod.

Mrs. S King was willing to be this person and was proposed by Mr. I McPheat, seconded by Mrs. C Callis and this was carried unanimously.

12. To elect one person for the post of Child Protection.

Mrs. V Louch had expressed her willingness to take on this role. This was proposed by Rev Gomm, seconded by Mrs. C Callis and carried unanimously.

13. Electoral Roll.

There are 88 people on this year’s electoral roll. Since last year 4 people have left the Church, 3 people have died and 18 people have joined the roll.

14. Presentation for the future of the Parish.

Rev Gomm, along with Mrs. K Gomm, had attended a New Wine Leaders conference and he came back with some encouraging thoughts which he shared with the meeting.

Rev Gomm commenced his presentation by pointing out that the ministry on Portland is a “shared” ministry not one only taken on by himself and Rev J Menzies but a working together task.

While he was away he also reflected on the Parish away day and the recurring theme was the need to pray both individually and together.

Another significant word was, “communication”. Rev Gomm pointed out that although we are one Parish there are 5 different congregations in 3 different buildings. Also there are some people who were once Church goers but are now housebound. All this adds up to make communication very hard. With the development of the new web site and more social events to bring us together this should help in that direction. Rev Gomm commented on what has been achieved over the last few years.


The problems with unauthorised parking in the car park should soon be resolved as it has been agreed by the various authorities involved that we can install 2 lockable bollards at the bottom of the drive. The cost will be covered by the proceeds of Margaret Stones Charity Bingo (£470). Again I would like to thank Josie, Marjorie, Colin Cade, Pat & Diane for their help in running the Coffee Mornings & for Margaret Stone & Mick for “Taxi -ing people to & from the coffee mornings. I would also like to thank Margaret Stone, Mick & Kelly who are still cleaning the Centre every week. Because without all their help & support none of this could happen. Everyone has given their time for free and also contributed cakes, raffle

prizes etc which means that we have been able raise funds for

Portland Parish from both hire charges from C2000 & profits from our

coffee mornings etc.

Carol Callis, C2000 Centre Co-ordinator.

LLM Training—Karen Gomm

I am half way through my first year. I won’t lie to you, going back to studying was a shock to the system. However, I am really enjoying the course content and have enjoyed my weekends at Sarum College and my days at Church House. I am also passing all my assignments. I have enjoyed preaching more at St John’s and the time at St Andrew’s, and look forward to doing more.

I have stepped down from many of my commitments as the course takes up a lot more time than I realised. Thank you to everyone who has stepped in to help.

I have had to start a ‘local learning group’ were I can practice leading a small group and share the course content and learn from their experience. It has been invaluable and thank you so much to those involved. Also thank you to those I’ve interviewed, your willingness to help has been a blessing.

I have been so encouraged by the support given to me and the family, from cake to the hugs (both needed during assignment week). Your


Southwell flowers 200.00

St. John Ambulance 181.30

Portland Foodbank 172.85

We also gave, from coffee mornings at St. Andrews - £219.30 for hall maintenance and £244.35 to go towards the work carried out on the wall.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust £175.25

Childrens Society

Box collections 454.76

Christingle 141.23 making a total of £595.99

Mission to Seafarers £87

Orbis £45

Thanks to all who supported any of these events.

Jan Camp

C2000 Report for APCM April 2018

Not much has changed in the past year regarding regular bookings, there are still quite a few sessions available for hire.

Funds raised from the coffee mornings & book sales for 2017 totalled £3075.00 which was paid into the church general fund. This is in addition to the rent we received for the hire of the hall & meeting room at the Centre.

The new boiler which was fitted in April 2017 is saving us money as the gas bills are now a lot lower.


Installation of new technology, learning new worship songs, started up new activities, new community services for the more vulnerable among us – the continuation of coffee mornings, toddlers groups, lunch clubs and, of course, the weekly Church services.

Progression has also been made in all churches and as individuals but this is always a goal to aim for.

Rev Gomm is aware that we have grown in confidence - reading the Bible aloud, leading prayers, the willingness to act as a server, carol singing in public and visiting people.

Spiritually he feels that we have progressed with prayers being more directive, understanding of the Bible is deeper and conversations more profound.

Our buildings are being developed and maintained. They are NOT being seen as a means in themselves – but as a tool. We need to be aware that the need for Community work grows rather than diminishes.

The meeting then watched a short video given by Rt. Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury inviting us to join in with the global wave of prayer between May 25th and June 4th.

Rev Gomm stated that he had been encouraged at the last prayer meeting when the numbers attending had doubled.

Rev Menzies was involved with other Ministers in putting together local events during this time and on June 27th there will be an evening dedicated to prayer held in St. Aldhems in the evening.

On Portland the “Pentecost on Portland” event will take place on Sunday June 4th

PROGRESSION – Rev Gomm and Rev Menzies are committed to movement, growth, development and depth and will continue to challenge, provoke, support, teach and preach. Rev Menzies felt that the Vision day was a good starting point for conversations and there is a need to keep reflecting on this. Mrs. G Smith said that as well as prayer she feels there is a need for fellowship and Bible study.

In a year’s time we will all revisit what we have done and see where we need to go to next.

15. Any other business


At this point, Mr. G Jackson, after listening to what had been said, felt that he had something to offer with regard to communication within the Parish. He asked Mrs. Callis, who will be producing the pew sheets, if she would be willing to be part of this also Rev Menzies and they both agreed to this.

16. Closing prayers.

The closing prayers were said by Mr. R McColm.

R e c t o r ’ s r e p o r t – A P C M 2 0 1 8 .

Introduction.

2017 has been a busy year, both in the church and the community.

St Johns Church. New joists. In October 2017 – Steve King, Greg Jackson and I worked for a day, pulling up some of the floor in the main sanctuary in the church to replace the rotten joists under the floor. Considering that a carpenter quoted us over £10K to complete this work, it was quite a feat. Re-Ordering. Just before Christmas it transpired that we had a heating consultant attending the church. He was able to help us make a much better-informed decision about the right sort of heating for the sanctuary. So, we are now compiling a technical specification for the faculty that we will need. Back in the middle of March I was approached by the daughter of Beatrice Soper (1920 – 2017), who left £750.00 to St John’s Church for the re-ordering. St Johns Hall Foodbank development. In June 2017 the Foodbank moved from the bottom of the hall, in the basement, up to the main hall. Foodbank itself paid for the new partition – and a carpenter friend helped us to make the new wall. PAIS youth work. For a while we had a youth group being run by the PAIS team on a Thursday evening. But it didn’t attract many young people and has now


SOCIAL COMMITTEE REPORT FROM Mrs. M. BARKER.

The following events took place in the last year since previous APCM.

28th April 2017 Ed Hintze concert 140.00

24th June 2017 Summer fete 712.47

6th July 2017 Weymouth stall 150.00

25th November 2017 Christmas Bazaar 755.29

TOTAL £1757.76

The proceeds from the Lenten Lunches will be going to Churches Together.

CHARITABLE GIVING

Yet another very successful year when money was donated to many causes. The coffee mornings at St. Andrews hall continue to be a popular event always well supported.

The Smartie tube collection also brings in a large amount which we are able to share between WAVES and the Dorset Women’s Refuge. The Women’s Refuge also benefit from the donations at the Easton Promise evening as well as our donating to them instead of giving Christmas cards.

The following is a list of donations made since the last APCM.

Christian Aid 879.45

Make a Wish Foundation 76.86

Women’s Refuge 456.82

WAVES 250.00

Children’s Society 544.52

Brownies 183.40

Portland Coastwatch 210.30

Sea Cadets 220.30

Southwell Tree 220.10


Grounds Maintenance – Ralph Menzies, from Underhill, has taken on the job of grounds maintenance for both St John’s and All Saints’ . He works for two hours a week in each church and is doing a good job.

Front Doors (2) and Back Door – The Quinquennial Report suggested that the doors needed to be painted and the door furniture needed to be de-rusted. No quotations from any local firms were forthcoming so David Camp generously came to the rescue and will be doing the job as soon as the weather is better. Thank you very much David.

Gutters – Lee Cook of LJC Groundwork and his brother cleaned out the gutters this year and, without scaffolding, did a fantastic job. Paul Butcher has mended the gutter over the back door. Thank you to Paul.

Lightning Conductor – The conductor has now been repaired, not with copper wire which can be stolen, but with aluminium tape.

Security Lighting – The light situated on the church wall at the beginning of the path to C2000 has now been repaired.

Inventory – New hymn books have been purchased and the old books have been removed from the Inventory and from the church. The old books have been recycled. Nothing else on the Inventory has been changed since the last APCM in April 2017.

Ongoing work –

PCC has agreed to the carpeting of the Lady Chapel, which is used on a Sunday by the children and adult helpers and which will make it more child friendly. Rev’d Gomm has managed to obtain some red carpet tiles and these will be used in the first instance.

PCC has also agreed to some quotations being obtained for fencing in the grass area in front of C2000, again to make the area child friendly.

Whilst the Faculty for the above work is being completed,, one more item will be added. This will be the digging out of the ‘muddy’ part of the car park to create better car parking spaces.

We are still looking to replace the flagpole.

Thank you – As ever, my thanks go to all of you who, over the past year, have worked so hard to do all the many tasks that keep our church running smoothly. You are all a blessing and it is a pleasure and a privilege to work with you.

Josie Butcher Church Warden.


stopped. Skills and learning. From a simple conversation with Rob Peain, who is Community Engagement & Learning Manager. We are now hosting a number of courses for the elderly in St John’s hall. This will earn us a small income for the parish.

Weymouth College. Each Wednesday morning WC run a job club. This is well attended. They teach the clients to write CV’s and different web sites for hunting for jobs. At the moment this is free of charge for the use of the room. Digital Access. We are negotiating at present with DWP the possibility of using the community computer hub in the hall for people to access the internet to work on their Universal Credit application, and journaling - which is apart of the process. It appears that 20% of those living in Underhill do not have access to a PC, or to the internet. New Carpet Due to the refurbishment of Weymouth Crematorium we have acquired a huge number of carpet titles. This has enabled us to carpet the community computer room in the hall, All Saints Lady chapel, and St Andrew’s vestry. I have written to them and said a big thank you. St Andrews Church Audio visual installation We have installed a data projector suspended from the ceiling. A electric white projection screen, which when not in use can be discreetly hoisted up and hides behind one of the wooden beams. We have also have 2 screens for extra viewing. Since there has been no objection from any of the congregation we are in the process of applying for a faculty. Well done to Graham Hayward and Jan Dumble for willing to learn new technology and new software. Southwell Housegroup. This started in January 2018- and now attracts 8 regulars. We meet every fortnight at 10 West Wools. Thank you, Tessa, for hosting and providing teas and coffees. It is so good to get to know people better.


St Andrews Hall Back wall it has been agreed and the funds found top re-build the back wall behind the church. It is hoped that this will be started within the next month.

Islanders Youth and Community club. Over the last year I have become the Chair of Trustees for this vital club, in one of the most deprived areas of Portland. I have worked hard to achieve this so that we are able to help this club maintain it place. The ground on which it is on belongs to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Social Justice meetings. AS some of you may know I am on the Diocesan Social Justice committee – this gives me a good insight in what is happening both nationally and locally when it comes to work in areas of high deprivation. I go to Salisbury about every 9 weeks or so.

Atlantic Academy Assemblies Since the new regime numbers of assemblies have dropped. Though I was invited to do one on Easter – and it went down well.

Governorship. In March 2018 I have become a member of the Local Advisory Board (LAB) along with another 5 other people. It won’t be as taxing as the previous group was.

Festival of Remembrance 2018 Saturday 10th November will be the next date for this great event. Not celebrating war, but remembering so that it doesn’t happen again. It’ll be hosted in the sport hall at the academy. Portland Hospital. EVERY MONTH Sue Gieble, and Jan Dumble and I go into the hospital to have a very brief act of worship. Numbers are rarely over 10 people, but I think it is appreciated. Thank you for Sue and Jan’s support and encouragement. Pentecost on Portland. For the fourth year running we held a very popular community event. We believe that about 250 people came. I was so thankful for all the people who help – too many to mention. You know who you are, and


Finish raising the floor and renewing the timbers.

But most of all that anyone who visits St John’s will leave feeling touched by our Lord Jesus. Sue King.

CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT FOR ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH,

All Saints’ has had a very positive year since April 2017, with congregation numbers for the Sunday services rising, especially numbers of children. It is great to see very young children helping to take the Collection, taking the Elements to the altar and standing in the centre aisle and waving flags during the first and last hymns. This all makes for vibrant services and great hope for our future mission on Portland.

There has been a lot of work accomplished this year:

Car Park – Planning permission has now been granted by Salisbury Diocese to erect fold down posts at the entrance to the car park and work can now go ahead, overseen by Rev’d Menzies.

Windows ( South Aisle)- At the PCC meeting on 6th September 2017 it was agreed that work on one window (the worst one) should be carried out during the next twelve months. All Saints’ had a bequest, many years ago for external work and this money had been invested. As the window(s) are going to be very expensive to repair these investments have now been sold and there is approximately £20,000 to put towards the work. We are awaiting updated specifications from Daniel Cantrell, the architect, and also some quotations from firms interested in taking on the work. When the DAC, Salisbury Diocese, receives the specification and quotations they will decide whether a Faculty has to be completed or just List B approval. A meeting was arranged with Geoff Pritchard from the Dorset Historic Churches Trust and he supplied forms to be completed for a grant which, if agreed, would help towards repairing all of the windows.

Organ – During the summer the organ was tuned because of ‘reduced functionality’. This was a combination of the temperature in the church and the fact that it was rarely played. Two people are now playing the organ when they can during the day and Shirley Law plays for the Sunday service on the second Sunday of each month.

Electrics – Trinitas, the church insurers, required a ‘Fixed Wiring Certificate’ and that has been done by Barrett’s of Portland and the certificate is now in the safe. Portable appliances were also checked and one extension lead was condemned. This has now been replaced.


maintence.

The new Treasurer would like to thank the three Cashiers and those who collect and Bank monies for their valuable assistance during the year, and to Angela and Josie for their contribution as Treasurers.

ST JOHN’S WARDEN UPDATE

I now use this quote quite regularly “Look forward to looking back, then you can see how far you have come”. I actually stole the saying off Karen Gomm!

When I started writing this report I didn’t think that I would have much to write about, as poor little St John’s appears to be holding up the rear, however I was encouraged as to how much we have achieved.

St John’s:

Cleared out vestry, attempted to reduce mould,

Disposed of 1 million (well it felt like 1 million!!) rotten kneelers,

New overhead lights fitted,

Acquired approx. 80 new chairs which were donate by another local church—ready for the removal of pews,

Raised part of the church floor and refitted new timbers,

Plumbing installed a tap for urn,

Discovered we had a heating consultant in our congregation, set up plans for new heating and boiler.

St John’s Hall:

Cleared all fire exits and removed foliage from around the building,

Removed stage,

Moved food bank upstairs.

DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE

No more hot water bottles for next winter, a warm church will attract more people, that’s the heating and also the lovely welcome that all our people always give.

Removal of the pews to utilise the space for the community,


the work you all put in. We are not having another POP this year – instead we are coming together for a United service on Portland with all the churches. New Zealand Holiday Karen, Abigail and I went for 3 ½ weeks to Christchurch, NZ. We visited some very good friends and so many great experiences. I want to thank Sue King, Fran Westwood, Steve King, and Dylas Ralston for everyone else who covered in our absence.

Conclusion.

As a priest in Portland parish there are so many things we should be doing – but with the lack of resources both in manpower and finances – it is important to be flexible and adaptable. There are things which I wish we could develop. It is great that Carol Callis has taken over the publication of the weekly Pew Sheet – which is now the same in all the churches. Also as we speak we are in the process of creating a “Parish Directory”. It would be good to find someone who might help us further in the parishes administration. I love getting my hands dirty – and I love to do things, but I am limited in my strength – and so I am so grateful to those who have helped me. Rev Tim Gomm

APCM 2018 Team Vicar’s Report

2017/18 has been a particularly significant year for All Saints. In this report I would like to draw attention to some of the highlights, as well as pass on my thanks and identify some of the challenges.

Continuing from last year, the church has been slowly growing in number. In particular, we have seen the number of children/young people increase. This is of course a great encouragement, since it was not long ago that there were no children at all on a Sunday morning. The presence of children is a great gift to any church, as they bring life and energy and teach us much!

As with any change, there are challenges. For the 11am congregation, a key question became “How do we accommodate the needs of all at church during worship?” Following a meeting after church, it was decided by the congregation that we wanted to be a church where


everyone- including the children- was included in the worship. Given this decision we introduced a few changes to our service. Rather than have a Sunday School separate from the rest of the service, the children now do activities in the Lady Chapel, and participate in much of the service. Since then, we have had more children come, and we will need to think carefully about how we accommodate everyone in future, as the Lady Chapel is quite small.

Although it seems a long time ago now, another highlight of this year was the Confirmation at Salisbury of Pat Williams and Linda Reynolds. It was great to be with them as they made their profession of faith, and an encouragement for us all at church. Later on at Christmas, All Saints was pleased to host Carols by Candlelight for a second year, which was a key part of Portland Sparkle (former Easton Promise) and attracted many people.

Our links with St George’s have continued strong, and I have been invited to take (and the church sometimes host) seasonal services, as well as regular assemblies. This has included harvest, Remembrance, Christmas and Easter. As a school governor too, I look forwards to building on these church links in the future.

Within the church we have been looking at a number of improvements. Following the kind donation of a large TV from St Andrew’s, we have trialled using a screen during Sunday worship. This has gone down well, and allows people who are unfamiliar with the service to engage more easily, as well as providing an opportunity for the use of pictures etc. The use of service and hymn books of course remains for those who wish to use them. The only criticism that has been made is that the screen is difficult to see when there are people standing. In response to this, the suggestion has been made to wall-mount the screen above the pulpit. Furthermore, we will be looking at how we can make the Lady Chapel more suitable for purpose, as both a worship space and location for children’s work. Josie will of course provide her own update on other building matters.

Over the last year we have sadly had to say goodbye to two beloved members of the church, Iris Dixson and Les Loveridge. Both were long term supporters of All Saints, and they will be deeply missed.

There are a number of challenges that lie ahead for the church. Of course, there is always the issue of maintaining an aging building in need of serious repairs, but some of the challenges are happier ones. With a renewed


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ending 31 December 2017

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

Fixed assets retained for church use: St Andrews Hall and Flat, St John’s Hall, and C2000

The total allocated by the Diocese of £29,995 for Parish Share was paid in full.

The following assets are recognised but not necessarily valued in the statement of Assets and Liabilities: All electrical equipment used for administrational purposes and for assisting in the delivery of services.

The Clergy and Staffing costs amounted to £2,327.13.

The purpose of any restricted funds is as follows;

To adhere to and respect the wishes of those who have made bequests by using such bequests in accordance with the restrictions stated in the bequeather’s wishes.

To ensure that all monies collected for previously designated purposes are used as such i.e. appeals for donations for specific charities. All monies collected are restricted for said charity.

Rental income from the letting of church premises is accounted for when earned but is not expected to be used exclusively on the buildings that are rented, except in the case of All Saint’s Hall where 10% is retained for



interest in christenings, I am now spending a significant amount of time instructing people new to the Christian faith. This is exactly what a priest should be doing, and it is great to accompany people as they discover Jesus and the love God has for them. My hope is that as a community we will be able to welcome them and help them take their place as members of Christ’s church. In addition, if the number of children continues to grow, we will need to review how we cater for their needs as the Lady Chapel is only of limited size. It would also be good to provide some activities for the children outside of the Sunday morning time. However, our hard-working volunteers already give much of their time and we need to make sure we don’t overstretch ourselves. There is clearly a question about how we allocate limited resources. Nevertheless, perhaps a prior question is “what is God calling us to focus on?” If God wants us to do something, the resources will turn up one way or another. So alongside the other churches, we will need to give some thought about what vision God is giving us for what he wants us to do.

As always, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work. As I said last year, I am very grateful to every single member of the church- simply by turning up, you witness to the fact that worshipping God is a worthwhile occupation. Your generosity too, in time, resources and finance allows us as a community to do God’s work. I am particularly indebted to Marjorie Barker and her team of ladies on the Social Committee for all the work that they do providing refreshments and planning events. Marjorie also has been a fantastic pianist, giving us excellent accompaniment for worship; we are also grateful to Shirley Law of the RC parish for playing the organ for us once a month. Carol Callis has worked hard to run C2000 and do the flowers in church, amongst other things. Josie Butcher has been an invaluable Church Warden, and has wrestled ceaselessly with repairs, routine maintenance and of course, faculties! Our sidespeople, Beryl, Gisela, Vicky and Charlotte have been fantastic, and Peter Augustine too for his role as church cashier. I am also very grateful (last but not least) to Eva and the team who head up the children’s ministry.

In terms of my own personal ministry, I have given up commitments and taken up new ones. The Arrow Leadership Programme, which absorbed much of my time ended in November; I have also stepped back from being a diocesan Young Vocations Champion, and reduced my workload as a school governor. As many of you are aware, I have


become Assistant Rural Dean which will alter my focus somewhat. Furthermore, having completed basic training as a firefighter, I now have that responsibility too, which entails not only incident responses but some training also. However, I see it as not just a hobby, but also part of my ministry: it allows me to be involved in the Portland community, and serve it. I have certainly been encouraged by the warm support I have found for this in the parish and beyond, but please bear with me if I being called out causes any disruption!

Finally, I just wanted to say what a privilege it is to be a parish priest here on Portland. Ministry is not always easy but it is worthwhile. Although as a nation, Christian faith is in decline, I think we are at a tremendously exciting time for the church. Now is not the time to be timid or to water down our faith, in the vain hope that this will make it more acceptable. Rather, it is all the more right that we embrace the full riches that God has given us in Jesus, to embrace the faith once delivered to the saints in all its fulness. When Christians live in the love of God, in true charity, modelling a divine community, the glory of Jesus is evident in the world. My hope is that as a church, as a parish, we will accept Jesus’ invitation to live life to the full in his name.

Rev James will be away during the APCM at the Rural Deans’ annual retreat

(25th-26th April). If you have any questions arising from the report please

contact him beforehand. Thank you.


Documents

APCM Report—portlandparish.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/8/4/27849553/2018_report_b… · 4 -APCM Report—2018 All Saints – Ms. C Troubridge, Mrs. B Hamilton, Mrs. V Louch and Mrs