Present: Mike Campbell (chair), Eva Kaltenthaler (minutes) Richard McQuinn, Stephen Spooner, Father Kevin, Sian Price, Maria Levesley, Richard Bushell, Deacon Stephen Parker
Apologies: Anne Shepherd, Lindsay Reynolds
Opening prayer was said by Father Kevin
Sian was welcomed to the Parish Council
Church hall hire:
It isn’t clear whether anyone has asked about booking the Hall. Mike C agreed to ask Anne Marie Appleton about enquiries and whether the checklist is being developed.
Action after meeting. Mike contacted Anne-Marie and she is developing a checklist based on the Diocesan one for people outside the Parish who wish to rent the hall. It is her understanding that groups within the Parish as part of Parish Activities do not need to complete it.
Church maintenance
David Hughes has kindly agreed to continue with church maintenance. Mike C agreed to send him a note of thanks.
The flooring in the church needs attention. There was some caution about going forward with expensive refurbishments at this time as we are not sure what the heating costs for St Francis will be. Some parishes will have trouble meeting their energy costs. We may be called upon to support other parishes.
Parish Directory
The Parish Directory has been updated on the website. A hard paper copy still needs to be developed.
Action: Mike Campbell to develop paper copy of the Parish Directory.
Lifts to Mass
Diane is no longer to coordinate lifts to Mass. The Parish Council was not clear if this service was still required but the consensus was that the service should be offered to see if there is any demand.
Action: Mike C to find a replacement co-ordinator and to ask Kevin E if anyone on the communion list may want a lift to Mass.
Safe area during Mass
This seems to be working well and is well used. It was agreed to continue.
St Francis Feast Day
St Francis Feast Day is the 4th of October but is celebrated on the nearest Sunday, 2 October. It was agreed to have a get together after Mass in the Church Hall.
Action: Mike C to put a note in the bulleting urging people to bring cake and something for the S2 Foodbank.
AGM
The next financial accounts will be presented in April 2023 and it was agreed to hold the AGM about this time. Depending on time of day, cake and tea and coffee could be provided or wine and cheese.
Spirituality
A number of potential activities were discussed including;
- A day retreat on St Paul run by Deacon Stephen Parker
- Taize evenings every quarter to be led by Maria Levesley
- The Big Picture course to be organised by Lindsay, Stephen P, Geraldine and Diane and run after half term.
- A Parish walk
Youth
There is currently no team for Confirmation. A first step is to find out how many people are interested in Confirmation. Richard Bushell agreed to be part of a team to lead this. There may need to be two groups depending on numbers and age of young people.
The youth group currently has three members and they meet once a month. Minimum age is year 10 or 14 years. They are thinking about a relaunch to encourage new members. They are also thinking about restarting a Youth Mass. The group has a number of social event ideas to include the Parish such as:
- Board games night
- Quiz night
- Disco for youth and children
- Film night
The Youth Group needs a small budget and will be given £30/month to cover expenses. There was discussion about the Youth Group being involved with Justice and Peace issues.
Action: Richard Bushell and Stephen Spooner to discuss coordinating a youth-Justice and Pease fund raiser or social activity.
Other activities
A number of other activities were discussed and it was suggested that we could look at these more closely in the New Year, such as a shared supper or Ceilidh.
The Synodial report was discussed. It was agreed there would be an evening held in October to discuss some aspects of the report around building community.
Action: Deacon Stephen to organise Synod evening.
AOB
Engaging the Parish
Ways of engaging the Parish and listening to what their concerns are were discussed. The following were agreed:
- Photos on board in the Narthex of Parish council members and their roles.
- Invite to the Parish in the bulletin before Parish council meeting with the agenda.
- A note in the bulletin when the parish council minutes are available.
- Interaction with the Parish and Parish Council members at social activities such as 2 October and after the AGM to be held in April 2023.
Green activities in our Parish and Live Simply.
Several options for incorporating Green activities in the parish were discussed. It was agreed that the Justice and Peace Group would be involved with taking this forward. The Echo church initiative would be explored for ideas.
Action: Maria to attend next Justice and Peace Meeting to discuss.
The Closing Prayer remembering Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was read by Father Kevin.
Date of next meeting 8th November 2022 at 7pm