The Parish Church of
St Mary the Virgin, Olveston
 

Reports for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 29th April 2007

The Parish of St Mary's, Olveston with St John's, Aust

Printable Version (PDF file)

Download the Minutes of the APCM Meeting (PDF file)

PCC Chairman's Report

Aust DCC Report

Buildings Group Report

Director of Music's Report

Bellringers' Report

St Mary's Handbells

Report on Outreach

Worship Group Report

Prayer Group Report

Tuesday Home Group

Youth Ministry Report

Child Protection Policy

Churchwardens' Report

Publicity Team's Report

Vicar's Report

Treasurer's Report

Gift Aid Secretary's Report

Outward Giving Report

Deanery Synod Report

Lay Minister's Report

Social Team's Report

Report from Friends of St Mary's

Breakfast Club

PCC Chairman's Report 2006 by Mike Wright

 PCC continued to pursue its mission 'To provide stimulating and challenging worship, to assist each other to grow in faith in Christ and to show his love in the parish and beyond'. Most of the hard work was done, as always, by dedicated groups and individual volunteers giving their talents in a multitude of different ministries. Our grateful thanks go out to each of them.

The Diocesan Strategy of 'Going for Growth' was enthusiastically adopted to implement this mission by aiming to grow the church by growing as Christians. The main elements are prayer and spiritual growth, setting priorities to mobilise all the gifts God has given us, reaching out into the community to meet them on their terms and making buildings fit for the purpose of making disciples.

We were delighted to see Breakfast Club starring in the DVD used to launch 'Going for Growth' across the Diocese (copies available on loan). The new services, Feast of Fools, Taize, Advent, Celebration of Marriage and Remembrance were well supported; there were many more baptisms; and a series of sermons on the themes of prayer and spiritual growth had key messages repeated on attractive bookmarks. High standards and good attendances were achieved at festival and traditional services. PCC welcomed the ordination of David Bone as Local Minister and licensing of Janet McBride as Lay Minister; we wish them both well in their leadership roles.

It is heartening to note that the growth trend continued and more people, adults and youngsters attended our services in 2006 than in 2005. Congratulations to the congregations, supporters and the treasury team for meeting our 'Parish Share' (£46,146.00) paid to the Bristol Diocese in full for ministry for the fourth year in a row. Better communications through noticeboards, banners, posters, postcards and leaflets, the website www.stmarysolveston.org.uk and new home ministries are all playing their part in building momentum. Outreach into the community was pursued through pastoral visits, quiet prayerful events, links with schools and other community organisations. Seniors lunches and traditional celebrations such as the church fete, harvest supper and big concerts and musical events were popular. The church building and all our record systems were given a 5 yearly examination by our architect and the Archdeacon. Happily we are in good shape but we have been warned to think about making provision for substantial building repairs five to ten years in the future. Smart new boards advertising principal services and contact details were fitted to the gateposts and an attractive new welcome and book storage area was completed inside the South door. The mower storage shed was refurbished and extended to house infrequently used equipment.

The project to improve the support facilities inside our treasured ancient building moved forward. We aim to provide an attractive, flexible, open space in the Chancel for meetings and small services; a new clergy lobby, choir vestry and storage area at the West end of the building and new kitchen and toilet in the existing clergy vestry. The revised scheme was exhibited in church, a 'Statement of Needs' was formally approved by PCC in July and our principal planning regulator, the Bristol Diocesan Advisory Committee, gave us approval 'in principle' in the autumn. The proposals have since been discussed with The Council for Care of Churches, The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings, English Heritage and South Gloucestershire Council Conservation. Each has made helpful comments which are being followed up. In particular, expert opinions from wood conservators are being received about the Chancel panelling.

There has been a real sense of enthusiasm in the PCC about our work and I thank all members for their leadership of different groups and their contributions to PCC work. In particular, I'd like to thank Brian Arkell, our retiring Treasurer who has kept our financial affairs in good order and to welcome Trevor Anderson as new Treasurer. We face major financial challenges with increased heating and lighting bills and a large increase in the 'Parish Share' we pay to the Diocese for the ministry throughout the Bristol Diocese. It has been a great pleasure and privilege working together. Many thanks to our service leaders, youth leaders, intercessors, servers, readers, sidespersons, flower and coffee ladies, to the choir and bellringers, verger and churchyard team, the worship, wedding, treasury, secretarial, pastoral, social, buildings and cleaning teams, to the Friends of St Mary's and to each and everyone of the dozens of helpers whose dedicated ministry is an essential part of the life of the Church. We aim to grow the church through more informal groups reaching out into the community. Please join in, join a group, enjoy the Christian fellowship and make new friends.
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Aust DCC Report by Maria Livingstone

 2006 was a good year for the Ancient Chapelry of St. John, Aust. The church and its events continued to be well supported.
Produce collected at the Harvest Service was taken to St. Peter's Hospice in Bristol and the Carol Service once again included contributions from many of the children in the village. Fundraising events, including a hugely successful fete, brought the village together. The ongoing 'Music in the Church at Aust' evenings were also very popular, and will include two new children's music events next year. The average amount of service collections was maintained with nearly all the money being put into gift aid envelopes; and the quota for 2006 was paid in full. There were two weddings in the church, and we also had a successful working party to pollard the trees in the churchyard. Activity bags were added to the children's corner, and a fantastic new altar frontal and wall hanging now adorn the church. Money received from a generous donation will go towards upgrading the driveway which gives access to the churchyard.
Aust Latest
The lime trees nearest the road have been removed; two were dead and others were leaning dangerously.
Stop Press!!
A Viscount Jubilate 45 two-manual digital organ with full pedal board and midi input capability has been purchased to replace the Technic electronic organ.
We think this will end the organ saga at Aust for a few decades at least!
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Buildings Group Report for 2006 by Mike Wright

 Highlights of the year were:
   Completion of the new welcome area and book storage and dispensing units inside the South door
   Erection of new noticeboards with service and contact information on the churchyard gateposts
   Complete refurbishment and extension of the store used for churchyard and other equipment on the North wall.
   Faculty, DAC and local planning applications were made and received as necessary.
The 5 yearly architect's inspection of the Church building was carried out in June. Some minor short term repairs to roofs, gutters and downspouts were recommended and completed. A more substantial external repainting programme was recommended and will be incorporated into the major reordering project. A structural engineering report on internal cracking in the belltower staircase was asked for and has been carried out. A watching brief and no further action was recommended. Beyond five years we were warned to plan for major re-pointing works on the tower and a substantial slating and valley gutters repair programme on the roofs. These works were estimated to cost over £100,000 spread over a number of years. A scheme was prepared for a new, improved, variable-level lighting system throughout the building but the cost estimates were unacceptably high, the proposed new light fittings for the nave were not liked and more modest schemes are being examined. Schemes were costed for permanent sound and projection systems to permit use of a full range of multi-media religious materials to support special and ordinary services. Permission to install this equipment is part of the integrated internal reordering scheme. This project provides a small Chapel and meeting room in the chancel, a new kitchen and toilet in the existing vicar's vestry and a new clergy lobby and toilet, choir vestry and storage room at the West end of the Church with external access via a reopened SW door. PCC approved the needs statement for this project, an illustrated public exhibition was staged and support 'in principle' was achieved from Bristol DAC following a visit. Schemes for new screens between the nave and the North and South transepts were abandoned because of their interference with the presentation of the church's fine Norman arches. At DAC's request, discussions on the reordering proposals have been held with CCC, SPAB, English Heritage and South Gloucester Conservation. Each of them had detailed comments on implementation which are being considered but no objections to the overall scheme. Opinions are being sought from leading wood conservation experts on the best options for the panelling in the Chancel. The scope of the project is not yet fully defined but because of the complexity of the works in an existing building and the high quality of workmanship required, the architect has given a first order of cost estimate for the reordering project of £160,000 - £200,000. PCC has authorised expenditure of up to £3,000 to enable development work to proceed to application to the Bristol Diocesan Chancellor for a faculty for the project.
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Report from Director of Music by David Shaw

 The past year has been very successful for the church choir. We have had the pleasure of welcoming six new members, including two children which has been wonderful. Choir membership now stands at 34, including me!
This very welcome increase has meant that we do need to invest in new robes in the near future. One family member of a chorister has generously purchased new robes for the children and these certainly look very smart. We have attempted to be innovative during the year. The carol service was enhanced by the addition of a flautist who accompanied the choir during singing some new carols before the service began and we have also sung some modern anthems, many composed during the last decade. Additionally, we have sung at a number of Taize services. Of course, our strength is in traditional forms of worship and music, which is a strength of St Mary's as a whole and, in my opinion, must not be lost in the never-ending search for innovation in an attempt to increase the congregation. The Choir is present for at least one service every Sunday throughout the year and on occasions outnumbers the congregation 3:1 this gives the recorded attendance figures a welcome and healthy boost! Rehearsals are held every Friday at 7.00pm and are well-attended. I am always very grateful to all the members of the Choir for willingly giving up so much of their time. The number of weddings in St Mary's is nothing like as great as it used to be, and since weddings are our only source of income we do struggle financially from time to time. The choir has sung at St John's Aust on a number of occasions. It is always a pleasure to be invited to sing there and the congregation always make us very welcome. The choir does contribute to the Outward Giving of the church. This year for example, as last year, we donated money to the Salvation Army in lieu of sending one another Christmas cards. The organ is in good shape. Last year we had a very successful celebrity organ recital in June which was very well-attended. This year, I have been honoured to be asked to perform this very exciting event, and I hope that again the attendance will be good! It will be held on Thursday 21st June 2007 at 7.30pm and the proceeds will go to the charity Childline. It was an enormous pleasure for us all to experience the ordination of our wonderful cantor Rev David Bone and we look forward to him being ordained Priest on September 29th. David is a stalwart of the choir and his knowledge of Classics helps with interpretation of the more erudite Latin and Hebrew texts we occasionally come across. We look upon him now as the Choir Chaplain. I am also very grateful to Philip and the Churchwardens for agreeing to the Appointment of Chris Malpus as the Deputy Director of Music. Chris is very enthusiastic about this appointment and I am very grateful to him for agreeing to take on this voluntary role. I know his musical contributions are appreciated very much by the choir and congregation. I was very grateful to Sian Slade for helping me to organise the Big Band concert in the church last year, which was a resounding success, with people dancing in the aisles! We are hoping to build on this success by organising further musical concerts which hopefully will appeal to people of all ages, whether church-goers or not. As always, I am very grateful to Roy Garlick for all the excellent work he does as choir treasurer, to John Howells for auditing the accounts, to Judy Jones and Sandy Shaw for acting as librarians, to Sue Farr for helping me to choose the hymns throughout the year, and to Bill Morgan, Graham Clark and Ian Dobson for acting as crucifers and cantors and to all the choir for their support throughout the year. It is a privilege to be the leader of such a dedicated, enthusiastic and skilful choir in such an active church. Please remember that we are always happy to sing an anthem or hymn requested by a member of the congregation for some special reason, within the bounds of practicality!
On April 13th this year we are all flying out to Armagh in Northern Ireland to sing the Sunday services in the Anglican cathedral of St Patrick. This is the seat of the Primate of All Ireland and is probably the oldest site of Christianity in the whole of Ireland. We are looking forward to the event enormously.
It went brilliantly, and we were doubly blessed with glorious weather! Ed.

 

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Report for St. Mary's Bellringers by Rosemary Ruddick

 Recruitment continues to be a struggle, with only one new regular ringer joining us in 2006. Unfortunately this was countered by the loss of 2, which leaves us with only 5 regular Sunday ringers. Although we are able to call on our friends at Alveston to make up 6 (much more tuneful!), it does mean that during holiday times we, increasingly, find the numbers too low to ring. This is such a shame as not only are the bells some of the nicest to ring, and to listen to, in the surrounding area but the Church does not benefit from the regular 'call to service.'
Whilst we continue to actively seek out new ringers, any assistance on this front would be gratefully received. How often do we hear people comment on how much they enjoy listening to the bells and how they are part of village life, but when asked if they would like to join us, say they have no free time? After the initial learning process, it really is not time consuming (as little as an hour a week, but it can be much more depending on the individual's wishes), but it is hugely rewarding in terms of the challenge, enjoyment, reward and friendship. Friday night practices continue to thrive with regular members from Alveston and Thornbury joining us. Everyone has made progress with the newcomers learning their first methods and the more advanced ringers now challenging themselves with triples methods (8 bells). We have supported and attended several courses around the area and also hosted a number of visiting bands, all of whom have enjoyed the bells and treated the village to some wonderful ringing. We were able to muster bands for each of the weddings, but recognise that 2007 presents a greater challenge with more dates to fulfil and only a small pool of people to call on. On a practical front, we recently had new lights installed in the ringing chambers, replacing the old single central light. The light is now much better for ringing and it will be easier and safer to change the light bulbs. The addition of a new emergency light also makes it a safer environment. 14th May 2007 sees the 100th anniversary of the re-hanging of our 8 bells (they were re-cast from 6 to 8 during the months of February to May and a new frame was also installed) and we are planning to commemorate this special occasion. We have found the records from 1907 and plan to replicate the service and celebrations as much as possible and hope that people will join us for the service and enjoy the ringing on that Monday night and, hopefully, the following Saturday. In summary, we will continue to ring as often as we are able, to support the requirements of the Church and its parishioners, but without more support from local residents, it will become increasingly difficult to sustain this level of commitment. What a loss that would be to the Church and village.
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St Mary's Handbells by Jenny Horton

 The handbell ringers played at the Church Carol Service, with David Shaw joining in on the organ for the carol Mary's Boy Child; this was with great effect, and it is hoped that there will be more collaborations in the future.
The group played at the Christmas meeting of the Thornbury TWG, interspersed with some poetry readings and a song by Lucy Hicks. The weekly bell-ringing sessions are much enjoyed, and there are plans afoot for some more adventurous compositions, which will be challenging.
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Report for Outreach Team by Sue Farr

 This is a group who are not definable by members or meetings or great happenings, but more by numerous quiet endeavours by people like you, in a Christian community. So where is our Outreach done on a regular basis? The list that follows will only touch the surface of activity but will emphasize the extent of possibility.
Outward Giving directly from Church attendance which this Christmas, for example, included The Children's Society from the Christingle Service; The Salvation Army from Choir Christmas card fund; Christian Aid from the Wednesday morning communicants; Crisis Ministries from a collection of goods, One25 Project for gloves and scarves, Uganda Link for gifts with Philip and Alison; Healing Group meets for prayer every Monday evening and has a collection at their monthly service; Care and Support group continues to work tirelessly and silently; House Prayer and Scripture reading groups; CHAT group has a faithful and still growing band and this year we have heard Sally Challoner's experience of where she found God in the media and we have debated whether we felt it would make any difference if the church "wasn't there". The Choir has new members too, including children at last, and in April the Choir plans to visit Armagh in Northern Ireland. Outreach happens all the time, in Breakfast Club and at the Big Breakfast, and the Pensioners' Lunch, amongst the Handbell Ringers, in the belfry where they celebrated with a Christmas party this year! The Quiet Day in June has become an annual event, and although only attended by a relatively small number, well fed by church hospitality, it is an important time for reflection; as is the Good Friday passion Vigil, which enables us to broaden our unravelling of the Passion story. Finally, there are visits to hospitals and prisons and to the lonely and housebound in our village, and those who help to maintain the excellent outreach done by the Meeting Point volunteers. We have made a link with the Welfare Group at Marlwood School, the Sofa Project and Bristol Inter - Faith Group.
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Worship Team Report by Rev. Philip Rowe

 DIVERSITY
Worship is to give God his worth, which is to glorify him. In public worship in order to implement our aim of making disciples, we have followed two strands - teaching and diversifying worship.
We try to teach the faith in an encouraging, relevant, manner at each service, generally following the wisdom and discipline of the lectionary. Occasionally we do follow a sermon series, such as the post Epiphany series on spiritual disciplines. We seek to teach further through small groups. We are diversifying worship so, as the parish church, we can serve as many people as possible. For example, within the Choral tradition we have successfully held two Vespers. The experimental Sunday afternoon celebration service is splitting into a youth and adult strand. On the 4th Sunday morning at 10am we have a variety of worship with the opportunity of other people being able to lead. This also acts as gift spotting for potential ministers. I am grateful for all those who assist in any way in enabling us to worship. It is encouraging to see people developing their God given gifts. May we be a blessing to each other and give glory to Jesus.
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Prayer Group Report by David Lewtas

 Because we believe that seeking God's will in regular, corporate prayer is as essential to the life of the Church as it is in the life of individual Christians, the Prayer Group has been meeting every Monday throughout the past year, as it has done for some twenty years. The Prayer Group prays primarily, but certainly not exclusively, for healing and wholeness, listing each week subjects which we want to bring to the Lord, together with any updates of which we may be aware in any particular situation. We always include those who ask for prayer through the medium of the Prayer Board in the church porch, as well as any other special needs such as the current "Going For Growth" initiatives. During the winter we have been meeting at 3.00pm in the Choir Vestry, and we have decided to continue this arrangement for the time being.
On the third Monday of each month the Prayer Group expands into the nave for a full service of Christian Healing, at 7.30 pm. Over the past year this service has been led by members of the Methodist and Evangelical Churches as well as Anglicans; and God has blessed us mightily through their ministry. We are also very grateful to Mr David Gee and others who have accompanied our worship with the organ or piano. In every service a time is set aside for silent prayer and meditation, as well as the laying on of hands with prayer for anyone who feels the need, for themselves, or anyone they hold in their heart, to be lifted up to the Lord. It hardly needs to be said that we would welcome anyone who cares to join us in the Prayer Group or in the Healing Service on a regular or occasional basis, and we look forward to seeing you at either or both of these.
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Tuesday Home Group by Rosemary Boere

 The group meet weekly during term time at Rosemary and Wim Boere's and is led by Lesley Clarke. It started about a year and a half ago and has become a valuable source of fellowship and fun. We always start with a cup of tea or coffee and a chat! The Bible study is the main focus of the evening, but we always finish with a time of prayer. The focus is usually decided by the group.
In the Autumn we enjoyed learning more about the Lord's Prayer using, 'Your Kingdom Come' by J. John. This was very thought provoking and led to us deciding to use as a subject for a morning service. Most recently we have been using the Lent Study material for which some new members have joined us. As well as the weekly meetings we have had a couple of social events, including a meal at the White Hart. In February we went to the House of Bread in the Forest of Dean for a quiet day which was very uplifting and inspiring. If you would like to come along and find out what we get up to, you would be most welcome, just ring either Rosemary on 01454 615353, or Lesley on 01454 613804.
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Youth Ministry Report by Jane Bain

 Youth ministry has had the usual ups and downs as one might expect. We have been very privileged to have Tristan Winter (from Aust Evangelical Church) working with us over the past year assisting with Insite and with a young people's band. The band has led the worship at some very moving and challenging services that were held at the experimental time of 3.30 p.m. once a month. We had some young speakers (and some not so young!) who preached the Gospel in a powerful way. The technology required for this type of service was initially cobbled together and then thankfully provided for us, very competently, by Rev. Dave Pole, who is part of the Severnside youth development team. These services were inspiring for the people who attended from St Mary's Olveston and from many other Churches.
Most of the congregation were however, too old to be considered 'youth!' and so the youth team has decided instead to hold youth services 4 times a year in various churches in Severnside trialling different times and venues to see how youth can be attracted to attend. We are currently recruiting a youth worker to work with St Mary's Olveston, St Mary's Almondsbury and St Helen's Alveston with the idea that, from this base all the churches in Severnside will work together in youth ministry. This is very positive and exciting! They will be a student at CYM and work with us as their placement, as Michelle did in the past. The course starts in September but we are actively looking for people now and have had 4 verbal enquiries. On the downside, this year has seen Insite coming to a close and The new Rock Cafe/The Rock no longer meets. However, there is a new group meeting in Almondsbury that is aimed at a slightly younger age group, so The Lord is preparing our new wave of youngsters as we speak. It is a constant challenge to find means of ministering to the young people of our parish and at present we are understaffed and need people with passion and vision and a heart for young people to come forward and support the team. We pray that next year will see young people ministering to us in the way that young people can do so well!
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Report on Child Protection Policy by Sylvia Clements

 Every one in the church bears a responsibility for keeping children safe. And our Child Protection Policy follows national guidelines and recommendations.
The members of the PCC recognise there is a need to address the issues of protecting children in all areas of church life. The responsibility for implementing a policy to address the safety and protection of children lies with the PCC. The Child Protection Policy used in all children's groups and activities in Almondsbury, Olveston and Aust churches is based on guidelines prepared by the Diocese of Bristol. Our first policy has been used for several years. We are now in the process of reviewing and updating this policy following the release of a 2nd edition of guidelines from the Diocese. We have produced a draft policy that addresses the main areas of , appointment of volunteers, supervision and management of volunteers, management of the groups and activities and training. This will be checked by Philip and the PCCs. It is hoped that our final policy document will shortly be available to all volunteers and staff involved with children. We are very grateful to Nita Slaytor, Sue Hewson and Gina Dobbins who act as the Nominated Persons for each of the Churches within the Benefice. They are responsible to the PCC for the implementation of the Child Protection Policy. Their help and support in the preparation of the policy review document is invaluable. We also wish to thank Philip for his ever willing help and advice in all matters concerning child protection.
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Churchwardens' Report by Mike Wright and Jane Bain

 The Archdeacon's Charges to Churchwardens in 2006 centred on Growth. Growth in Numbers, Commitment, Influence and Partnership. We are pleased that progress was made in each of these.

Numbers: 5,265 adults attended church on Sundays in 2006; this was 557 up on last year. 945 under 16yrs. attended, 200 up. This was the second year of upturn after a long slow decline. Adult attendance at "normal" Sunday services was 83 versus 77 in 2005 and 73 in 2004.

Commitment: There was growth in Commitment through good serving on leadership teams by dedicated individuals who organised innovative services, pastoral care and outreach events. Also good giving enabled us to pay in full the Diocesan 'Parish Share' of £46,146 for ministry throughout the diocese and to meet big increases in bills for heat, light and repairs. We are grateful to the Friends of St Mary's for their continued and increased support which helps fund our regular expenditure and also special capital items.

Influence: The church continued to reach out to the old, the sick, the lonely, the young, to schools and to families. There was outward giving in cash and in kind and social events brought new faces into contact with the church. Communication systems to inform the local community of our activities were greatly improved

Partnership: Stronger links were built within the leadership of the Benefice of Almondsbury and Olveston with Aust. More cooperation was developed with other Parishes in the Severnside area, particularly aimed at strengthening our outreach to youth and ecumenical affairs Our thanks to each one of the large army who ensure that all the work needed to carry forward the Church's mission gets done. More volunteers are sought to continue the good work. Please help one of the many groups where your talents can be a benefit or speak to a friend who might help to ensure the massive workload we face can be distributed over as many willing hands as possible.
Enjoy your Christian fellowship.

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Publicity Committee Report by Roly Bain

The Committee has met six times through the year, building on new beginnings. The new blue noticeboards on the pillars at the both church entrances were erected, and complemented by a new 'No Parking' sign that also proclaims the church is open. We now have a full team of leaflet distributors, and the colour that has been introduced to the leaflets has been well received. Posters on the noticeboard continue to make a difference, both in terms of communication but also general effect. The noticeboards have been reclad.
A Christmas banner on the Macaskills' wall seemed successful, although the planned outdoor Christmas tree was shelved till next Christmas when proper electrics will be in place. Paul Grainger-Allen has resigned from the committee but we are very grateful for all the work he has done in establishing and then maintaining the website. Philip's new PA, Susan Bridgewater, has agreed to take on responsibility for keeping the website updated. Efforts to include a newly designed pull-out centrespread for all the churches (rather than the pages at the back) in Meeting Point have come to naught, while Roly's Idiot's Guide to the Church also stopped when the Meeting Point team decided the magazine was getting too churchy. Sales of notelets featuring John Crossley's picture of the pub and the church sold well, both as Christmas cards and as plain notelets. They are still available in church and at Olveston Stores. David Bone has redesigned the church history leaflet. The Support Group have had a Newcomers Party for which Roly had designed the publicity and invitations and at which a churches' table had been prominent. The Committee members are: Roly Bain, Mike Wright, Judy Jones, Sophie Newton, Les Slaytor.
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Vicar's report: God grows Church through growing Christians

 The Diocesan Going for Growth programme has encouraged me to focus on what Jesus told us to do - to make disciples. As we grow individually as disciples we 'create a community of wholeness with Christ at the centre'. This is the community life which will honour God and attract people. So my and your first priority is to deepen our relationship with The Lord.
Following on from this we are working on a few specific priorities:
   Keeping prayer central;
   Teaching the faith in Sunday services and small groups;
   Strengthening pastoral care;
   Developing the Breakfast Clubs as disciple making;
   Diversifying our styles of Worship so we are a Christian fellowship for all;
   Considering changes to the Church buildings to make them fit for purpose.
 I thank you for providing a part time personal assistant. I am using the time this buys me to spend more time with people. I am also very grateful for the many volunteers who work hard and faithfully in a multitude of ministries to make disciples here. I thank The Lord for the privilege of being a Vicar, and being here. I look forward to doing his work with you in the days ahead.
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Treasurer's Report by Brian Arkell

 The accounts for the year ended 31 December 2006 are presented in the format used since 1996 and in accordance with the requirement of the Charities Act 1993 guidance notes as amended 2001.
Income
Following last year's small rise in Total income mainly due to an increase in Endowment Fund Share Valuation, 2006 income is slightly down.
Fees are again up by a small amount, sadly brought about by an increase in funerals whereas, there were only three weddings in the year, a useful source of income.
Despite the loss of the Church Supper event, funds raised from other events show an encouraging, if slight, increase. The Fete continues to be the backbone and best fund raising event of the year, although the Big Band event and others help to raise the profile of the Church.
Thanks are once again extended to Friends of St.Mary's who's financial contribution and the work they do, has helped to meet the Parish Share and increase Other Ordinary Income.
CCLA Capital Deposit Account provides lucrative restricted and unrestricted investment income, but in real terms maintains little more than the value of the investment.

Expenditure
The Bristol Diocese Quota of £46,146 for 2006 was paid in full for the fourth successive year, but the 2007 Quota has been increased significantly by 15% to well over £50,000. This is a major concern which will no doubt be keenly addressed by the PCC in the forthcoming months. The PCC decided to maintain its 2007 monthly payments to the Diocese at £3,250 and will consider the final payment of over £11,000 later in the year.
The Diocese has been notified that based upon current income and expenditure the 2007 Quota is unlikely to be met in full.
Outward Giving shows a significant decrease but this is because one beneficiary was aided by gifts and tangible donations which cannot be recorded in the Accounts. All the recipients have responded with thanks.
Printing costs have increased in order to provide better publicity and income has been generated by the sale of St. Mary's Church Christmas cards. I understand there is some stock left over, not reflected in the Accounts, but the income from the sale of which, will be reflected in next years Accounts.
Repairs and Maintenance expenditure shows a significant reduction on 2005 figures thereby enabling the Quota to be paid in full. New items purchased included a new computer for the Vicar, the cost shared with Almondsbury PCC; Bookcases inside the Church; refurbishment of the Church shed which upgraded the building to so 		much more than a shed; a new mower and the faculty notices.
Youth worker costs have not been incurred this year but should be taken into account in financial planning for the forthcoming year

Funds
£79323.12 is restricted for the Fabric of the building,
£342.09 Millennium Fund (to be absorbed in 2007)
There is no restricted Alpha Course Fund; any costs must come from the General Fund.
There is no restricted Organ Fund; any costs must come from the General Fund
There are no other restricted funds.
Attached to the Annual Accounts is a copy of the St. Mary's Church Choir Statement of Accounts to 31 December 2006, which is not included in the main Accounts. Thanks to Roy Garlick.

Forecast
A budget for 2007 has been drawn up.

Finally
The weekly alms collections should be signed for by two signatories for good audit practice, and our Independent Examiner, Trevor Watkins, has again requested that the PCC endeavour to do this in future years.
However, my sincere thanks go to all persons who collected, counted and recorded the income. Particular thanks go to Joyce Prothero who banks and accounts for the money, and to Roland Harley our Gift Aid Secretary, both of whom help to make my job so much easier.
On behalf of the PCC, I would also very much like to thank Trevor Watkins who casts an Independent Examiners eye over the Accounts and whose contribution to their production, is probably underestimated but nevertheless greatly appreciated by me and the PCC.
As most will know already, this is my last report to the APCM and I would like to thank Mike Wright for his unerring support, and to everyone for giving me this opportunity to help the Church and the Community over the last four years. I wish you well in your endeavours.
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Gift Aid Secretary Report by Roland Harley

 Thank you to all those who have contributed to St. Mary's funds over the year, particularly to those who give through a regular Standing Order or Weekly Envelope. For those who are able to use a Gift Aid Declaration the Church receives an additional 28p for every £1 given -- and it is so easy.
The accounts show the amount derived from tax recovery, and it is important to appreciate how much the Church can benefit with a Gift Aid Declaration from any taxed income that it receives. However this income is not in any way guaranteed in the future, as is shown by the last Budget, and with the lower tax band being reduced to 20% from April 2008 the loss in revenue (based on Gift aided income of £33K) will be over £1000 in 2009. Also with the tax recovery scheme it is important to appreciate that the amount recovered in any particular CALENDAR year is based on the Gift Aided income the Church received in the previous TAX year. The response to the Vicar's letter in February has been very good with 32 replies including 6 new Gift Aid Pledges. The estimated increase of income over a 12 month period (April 07-April 08) is £569 plus £2,416 which is Gift Aided. The Gift Aid Donation envelopes this year have resulted in a £44 tax refund on £155 donations. Outward Giving has also benefited from the use of these envelopes and there is now provision to allow the donor to specify that they do not wish to be on the relevant charities' mailing list. The number of Standing Orders has increased to 60 and there has been a slight reduction to 50 of those using the Weekly Offering Envelopes. For any further information on tax recovery or standing orders please contact the Gift Aid secretary.
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Quarterly Outward Giving by Pat Halfyard

 The Quarterly Outward Giving services in the past year have again resulted in generous contributions from the congregation. We have been fortunate to have good speakers who have presented the activities of their Charity in an interesting and heartfelt manner. As is fast becoming a tradition, the December activity was to collect gifts in kind so that less fortunate and deprived individuals and families in Bristol would enjoy a happy Christmas season. This was again very well supported. The amounts raised on other occasions were: June 2006 The Torch Trust £234 September 2006 Changing Tunes £213 February 2007 Hartcliffe and Withywood Single Parents Project £317
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Deanery Synod Report by Pat Thirkettle

 Report by Pat Thirkettle The year started with Bishop Lee presenting the 'Growing for Growth' programme, with which we are now familiar at St Mary's. All parishes will be required to help financially in 2008 when Bishop Alphonse and his wife Evaline come over from Uganda to attend the Lambeth Conference, but it is not possible to give a figure at this stage.
Deanery Synod spent an evening discussing reorganising itself, but really it remains the same. There were however two pieces of good news: Firstly Christchurch Clifton has planted a new church at Badminton School on Sunday mornings, the outcome of much prayer and hard work on behalf of Christchurch. It would be an open church for those seeking, and Christchurch members would commit to attending, with interested people, for a year. Secondly the situation in Northern Uganda has improved. After many years of terrorism, abduction and killing by the Lords Resistance Army, they are now holding peace talks, with Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng leading from the churches' side.
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Lay Minister's Report by Janet McBride

 I finished the "Equipping God's People" two year training course in July last year. The mix of students seemed to work really well and our tutors were excellent. We had two Methodists training to be Lay Preachers in our group of 10 and the other seven were all licensed as Lay Readers, now known as Licensed Lay Ministers, on October 21st 2006 in Bristol Cathedral. Of course we are not considered to be the finished article, and an extensive post-licensing training programme is under way!
However, "Equipping God's People" is not just for Lay Readers- to- be. It is immense fun. I learnt a great deal and I'd really recommend it to anyone thinking of taking a more active part in the life of the church, or just getting into some theology. I still expect most of my time as a Licensed Lay Minister to be in Breakfast Club. I am also taking some services in church, and have agreed to oversee the new style "Contemporary Service" on the fourth Sunday of the month. But this does not mean I'm leading them all. The aim is to involve members of the congregation in designing and leading our worship. What that service becomes will depend on all of you, so your thoughts and ideas and offers of help are most welcome.
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Social Group Report by Sian Slade and Pauline Wright

 Our aim is to reach out to all ages in the community to attend Church events and also to fund raise. This year we have arranged four events:

1. The Fete, held at Church Farm by kind permission of John Cryer. An exhibition was also organised by Sandy Shaw in the Church. We had great community involvement and raised a record amount. A fun family day.

2. The Harvest Supper. Not well attended this year, but greatly enjoyed by those who came. We probably need to re-think the format.

3. University of the West of England Big Band. A new, and very successful, venture.

The Church was packed. It was wonderful to see so many new faces. Hundreds of pancakes were made and served, many thanks to everyone who helped, especially David Shaw. A substantial amount was raised for Church funds.

4. Burns Night. Another innovation, courtesy of the Bains; traditional fare and entertainment. Thanks to Roly Bain and Robert Slade for organising the competitions. A terrific fun evening, hopefully to be repeated. Many thanks to all who have helped over the past year, we hope they will continue to do so. New helpers and new ideas are always welcome.

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Friends of St Mary's Report by Andy Phillips, Chairman

 We should mention here that one of our founder committee members, Margaret Pegler, has sadly died this year and has been sorely missed. Her help throughout the years was so appreciated by us all and our thoughts go out to her family for this loss.

On a brighter note we have secured the services of June Hahn who has joined us to fill the gap so we say formally, welcome to The Friends!

We have been established now since June 1994 and some of our loyal members have been with us throughout that time, we are enormously grateful to each and everyone of you, as indeed we are to our whole membership who help to keep the Church solvent by allowing us to provide those items that wouldn't be possible from the normal funding process, we also provide a fixed sum to the church on a quarterly basis of £900 from their generosity, but let's not forget that we also try to make it all worth while for our punters by providing 7 prizes every month, which currently total approx £320.

Within the next month or so we should cross the £100,000 barrier that we have raised by the local lottery scheme and from our annual events. Note, £50,000 of this has gone to the Church with a similar amount gone out in prizes. "What's that?" you say, "we haven't won!" well don't forget our motto "If you're not in you can't win!" Most of our members have won by now, some of them as you know, seem to be particularly lucky and have won several times, so if you're thinking of joining, either ask them, or better still, give me a ring and I'll get you a membership form. It's £2 per month, £1 goes to the Church and £1 goes out in the prizes. You can ring me on 01454 614890 or look out for us at the

Church Fete, our BBQ in August ... more details later ... or even at the Annual Christmas Fayre.

Well, that's our free advert, but I should also let you know that during the last year we have paid for the professional repair of the Corona, replaced a defective mower for the "Three musketeers" better known as Arthur's merry men, Bill Morgan and John Cryer. Donated even more lights for the Christmas tree...Bigger and better every year!

We have also set aside funds for new carpets near the new bookcase and the altar rails. We have agreed to get all the carpets cleaned professionally (This should take place this month by Camerons Carpets).
It should be mentioned here that all this would not be possible without our Loyal Band on our Committee of David Prothero, June Robbins, Carol & John Phillpot, June Hahn and John Jones; my sincere thanks go out to each and every one of them for their sterling work - long may it remain.

I look forward to seeing you soon during our Membership drive. No one can hide. We will find you...!
Thank you for your continued support!
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Breakfast Club by Helen Webb
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