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Annual Parochial Church Meeting 22 April 1991 (June 1991 edition of magazine) One hundred and twenty two members attended the above meeting. Reports were received from the principal officers, and representatives of nineteen special interest groups within the Church's organisation. Elections and appointments took place. Following the lay member's reports, it was Christopher, the Rector's turn: The Rector started by looking back at the joys and frustrations of the previous year. Joys included the worship of our Churches (especially Morning Prayer's introduction, the development of organists, Choir and Sowers working together), new members, members from afar moving into the parish, the large number of our young people who have become students, the Team of Clergy, Readers, Wardens, etc., and an outstandingly good PCC. Frustrations included the difficulty in getting the Ministry Co ordinator started and the delay in obtaining planning permission for St. John's Church Centre, It had been a year of marking time rather than going forward. There had been growth, but much of it was "transfer" (replants from another garden, not grown from seed). He then looked ahead, with particular reference to the Decade of Evangelism and the call of our Lord to "go and make disciples". He spoke of the need to be a maternity ward (producing new Christians), a nursery (helping them to get established in their faith) and a school (educating and training all our members in Christian discipleship). He likened St. Thomas' particularly to a bath. The tap was on, water was coming in, but it wasn't filling very fast as the plug wasn't in! The strategy, was (a) to put the plug in (doing everything possible to welcome, integrate and develop those who came) and (b) to turn the taps on more (reaching more people and helping them to faith). For this to be effective, everyone must be involved and there must be excellent back up of prayer and administration. He urged everyone to pray and work for the bath to overflow soon. Staffing our Churches (August 1991 edition of magazine) Hopes are high that, by the time the next issue of SPEARHEAD is published, Philip Herrick will be in action as Ministry Coordinator. At the time of writing, Philip and Karen have not yet been able to exchange contracts concerning the sale of their house in Worksop, but the time seems near. It will probably take two months or more for Philip to settle into what will be a completely new post in our parish. Major adjustments all round will be necessary, especially for the clergy and for Philip himself. In time, however, his appointment should vastly enhance the smooth running and effectiveness of the ministry and all church members. We really look forward to having Philip, Karen, Emma and Jonathan with us. The responsibilities of the clergy are being adjusted. The Rector has had a considerable rethink, a consultation with the Wardens and Church Councils of all three Churches. His declared aims are: 1. To deploy the current staff to their best advantage. 2. To give support to St. John's at a time of special opportunities and demands in the light of its great potential for growth. 3. To encourage St. Peter's to continue its growth and development. 4.To ensure that new initiatives in the Decade of Evangelism are well promoted and co-ordinated. In order to meet these, the following developments are in hand: Brian Porter is to assume greater responsibility for St. John's and less for St. Peter's. He and Barbara will continue to live in Holymoorside and be responsible for Community links there. Christopher Frith will assume greater responsibility for St. Peter's with correspondingly less for St. John's. Jonathan Jee, during his 4th year (a real bonus for us) will assume overall leadership of our evangelism along side the Parish Mission Committee. He will continue to be in charge of youth work, delegating more of the responsibility than has happened previously. We trust that, under God's direction, we will be better able to fulfill our stated vision of being: 'A body growing and moving forward with all members: ¨ Playing their part ¨ Using their gifts and ¨ Being properly co-ordinated. Christopher Frith The 'New' Church Office (December 1991 edition of magazine) Go into St Thomas Choir Vestry and immediately you see a new era has dawned, the era of the Church Office. Phil Johnson has excelled himself. A brand new fitted wardrobe along one wall houses all the choir robes. The floor is carpeted. There are curtains. You can actually see out of the newly double glazed windows. There's a desk, a swivelling chair, plenty of work surface, cupboards and shelves, a telephone and answerphone, a photocopier, a large noticeboard, a kettle and a computer (belonging to Philip Herrick. St. Thomas' hasn't advanced quite that far yet!) There's a warm, friendly feel but also a sense of calm, efficient purpose. Behind the desk you will find the Rector's Secretary, Julia Potter. She has done the job since Jill Trunkfield moved to Edinburgh last December, and like Jill, is a member of St. John's as well as St. Thomas' evening congregation, whenever possible. She was in the confirmation group in 1990. The other resident in the office is Philip Herrick, who has settled so well as Ministry Co ordinator. His brief is under God to make our Church run smoothly, with every member playing his or her part as is appropriate. Already, Philip s contribution is making a considerable improvement and the clergy, in particular are appreciating it. |