	PCC Jottings - December 2007
	Unstable memorials. Many of the churchyard memorials do not have any family member to look after them. Stockport Council has put wooden stakes on a number to make them safe. For the time being it is the church’s responsibility to pay for this work. In 2007 this cost us around £2,000. We plan to apply for a Faculty to have an automatic winding mechanism installed in the tower clock. (The cost will be provided by a sponsor.) Growing larger churches. In all dioceses church attendances have declined by 7% between 2002 and 2006 in larger churches (i.e. having more than 150 regular worshippers), whilst congregations have increased in smaller churches. Rob Green and Mike Cheslett reported on a day conference they attended that considered the main reasons for this decline, why the decline was more prevalent in larger churches and ways that could halt the decline. The PCC considered some possible answers that included changing the model of the church from the current 'pastoral' to a more 'managerial' model; improvements to the way that new people are welcomed into church; managing change in worship, improving the provision for young people, asking ourselves whether our church is an authentic living Christian community with God at its heart.	There were two reports on the church finances. The first was the usual report by David Scott on the financial position to the end of November; the second was a report from the church Finance Committee that looked ahead to the year 2010. The Treasurer reported that the current deficit was in the region of £16K, caused mainly by increased spending on the Children and Youth Workers and above budget expenditure on church premises. The second report considered the effect on the general reserves if the current trend of deficits continues, with reduced collections and planned giving, and if no savings can be found in the level of spending. It concluded that the current reserves would be completely exhausted by the end of 2010. This is a worrying situation and is a topic that the PCC must address in the New Year. Other items considered were: insurance matters, risk management, the Mission Contacts Committee and arrangements for the letting of 27 Davenport Road when the Staffords leave. Martin Johnson
	Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 6235

PCC Jottings - December 2007

Unstable memorials. Many of the churchyard memorials do not have any family member to look after them. Stockport Council has put wooden stakes on a number to make them safe. For the time being it is the church’s responsibility to pay for this work. In 2007 this cost us around £2,000.

We plan to apply for a Faculty to have an automatic winding mechanism installed in the tower clock. (The cost will be provided by a sponsor.)

Growing larger churches. In all dioceses church attendances have declined by 7% between 2002 and 2006 in larger churches (i.e. having more than 150 regular worshippers), whilst congregations have increased in smaller churches. Rob Green and Mike Cheslett reported on a day conference they attended that considered the main reasons for this decline, why the decline was more prevalent in larger churches and ways that could halt the decline. The PCC considered some possible answers that included

changing the model of the church from the current 'pastoral' to a more 'managerial' model;
improvements to the way that new people are welcomed into church;
managing change in worship,
improving the provision for young people,
asking ourselves whether our church is an authentic living Christian community with God at its heart.

There were two reports on the church finances.

The first was the usual report by David Scott on the financial position to the end of November; the second was a report from the church Finance Committee that looked ahead to the year 2010. The Treasurer reported that the current deficit was in the region of £16K, caused mainly by increased spending on the Children and Youth Workers and above budget expenditure on church premises.

The second report considered the effect on the general reserves if the current trend of deficits continues, with reduced collections and planned giving, and if no savings can be found in the level of spending. It concluded that the current reserves would be completely exhausted by the end of 2010. This is a worrying situation and is a topic that the PCC must address in the New Year.

Other items considered were:

insurance matters,
risk management,
the Mission Contacts Committee and
arrangements for the letting of 27 Davenport Road when the Staffords leave.

Martin Johnson

PCC Jottings - December 2007

Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 6235