Snippets from the PCC Meeting – 16th January 2024
The PCC meeting on 16th January was held in church. Among items discussed were:
Offertory collections
When we resumed services in church after the pandemic we did not take collections by passing the plate around during the service, There is a plate at the back of the church in which those who wish to give can place their donations. We have not reintroduced collections and the PCC considered whether we should do so.
It was decided to curry on as we are, without a collection during the service although the plate (and the new card readers) will continue to be at the back of the church.
It was felt that many people give through the bank or the diocesan Giving Direct schome and others will want to use a card; not having collections also avoids any embarrassment for anyone who is not able to give or chooses not to do so (although there is no reason to feel embarrassed).
We will, as part of the notices, regularly remind people that the plate and card readers are at the back of the church for those who wish to give; that will be particularly important at services at which there are people who are not aware of our practice.
Notice boards
We are proposing to replace the two notice boards in the churchyard with a single new notice board which will be by the lych gate. The necessary application for permission from the diocese is being made and we await the outcome.
We are also intending to add two more noticeboards inside the porch. They will be inside the glass doors on the walls either side and will give more room for notices to be displayed. Permission for those should, hopefully, be a little more straightforward.
Safeguarding Policy
We have to regular]y review policies and have reviewed the safeguarding policy. It is still applicable and has therefore been approved again without alteration.
Vacancy in the benefice
The PCC met the Archdeacon and the Rural Dean on 7th February. The PCC chairman, Philip Sims, has written about the meeting here.
PCC members
The members of the PCC are: Philip Sims (Chairman), Tony Ainsworth, Iain Coleman,
Milly Colin-Stokes, Geoffrey Dann, Henry lbberson, Clive Pendrell, Alan Smith, Dorothy
Steel, Graham Tritton and Tracey Williams.