There was a multitude gathered there on the evening of Wednesday last. No it wasn’t the feeding of the five thousand, although some food might have been welcome to warm us up on this dark and chilly night. It was in fact the 2023 Annual Church Meeting, where officers and deacons are elected, reports given and matters of some import discussed with a view to laying out some kind of strategy for the year to come.
Okay, “multitude” may be something of an over-dramatisation when describing ten people, but the fact remains that it was the best turnout that we have enjoyed for quite some time. Truly we hope it was a sign of things to come.
There was little change in terms of personnel, with our existing Treasurer, Secretary, Minute Secretary, Pulpit Secretary, Flower Secretary and Newsletter Editor all re-elected nem con. It was stressed that whilst all these posts are held by specific individuals, help is always welcome in the fulfilment of their duties. By way of an example, the Minute Secretary is sometimes called upon to simultaneously chair Church or Deacons Meetings, requiring impressive but ultimately challenging levels of ambidexterity. We are pleased to welcome Elizabeth Crewes to the diaconate, who was elected to serve alongside existing deacons Trisha, Antony and Phil, who were given the membership’s blessing to carry on their work for another year.
The state of our finances gave some cause for concern. Income from every regular source was notably down upon the previous year, whilst bills generally only go up. Some drastic and sometimes uncomfortable suggestions as to what we might be compelled to do in order to help reverse this unwelcome decline were floated from the chair for possible consideration. One way or the other we either have to bring more money in, or reduce the amount that is going out – or both.
Beyond the elections and the reports the everyday business of the Church continues to demand our attention, notwithstanding the “special” nature of the Annual Church Meeting. There were some items of correspondence to note, and a request for help from a member of the local community.
Finally, for those who get to read this newsletter in time, we agreed that we would gather at the Church building on Saturday 2nd December from 2.00 p.m. for the putting up of the Christmas tree. This is traditionally a team effort so please do come along if you are able. Tall people particularly welcome.
As we approach the Advent season, we hope to see as many of you as possible at our upcoming services and especially at our Carols by Candlelight event at 6.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.