MEETINGS/AGENDA/MINUTES

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EXTRAORDINARY JCC MEETING ON 26TH OCTOBER 2022

AT 7.00PM AT DEVORAN PARISH CENTRE

Opening prayer

PRESENT: 

Archdeacon Paul Bryer (ADPB); Revd. Karen Wilson (KW); David Simmons (DS); Janet Thomas (JT); Anne Ramsden (AR); Adrian Walker (AW); Martin Davey (MD); Robert Talbot (RT); Rosalind Smith (RS); Chris Ryall (CR); Paul Stuart (PS);

Jane Darlington (JD) VIA Zoom.

 

This meeting was a mid-term review of the Waterside Churches, including the Pastoral Situation, Vision, Ministry and Mission.

It noted the need for better communication, a more open approach and more frequent meetings of the JCC.

Also, the important role that Church Wardens play and their need for more meetings. 

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The meeting finished with a Compline Service, followed by The Grace.

 

Minutes of JCC MEETNG ON 22ND SEPTEMBER 2022

AT 7.00 PM AT DEVORAN PARISH CENTRE

Opening prayer

PRESENT: Revd. Karen Wilson (KW), Anne Ramsden (AR) Jane Darlington (JD) Adrian Walker (AW) David Simmons (DS) Martin Davey (MD) Rosalind Smith (RS) Robert Talbot (RT) Janet Thomas (JT) Paul Stuart (PS)

APOLOGIES: None

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:  Agreed & Signed. 

MATTERS ARISING: 

JCC bank account still not live. Now at least 6 months since it was agreed. PS to follow up for JCC.

SAFEGUARDING: 

Lorraine Rogers has now done the Leadership Course and has agreed to become the overall Benefice Safeguarding Officer. KW noted that there should a locked box in the safe of each church in which to keep confidential safeguarding paperwork. Keys for these boxes must ONLY be held by the vicar and the church's Safeguarding Officer. AR & PS confirmed compliance for Devoran and St. Piran's. RS said there is a locked box for Feock in a locked filing cabinet. She confirmed this is in the church but did not refer to who has keys to the cabinet or box.

LOGO: 

Discussion about usage of the logo. Ideas about line drawing versions, banners, posters, letterheads and more. PS said he could arrange any of the above and asked that people let him have their ideas.

STRATEGY FOR MISSION & OUTREACH FOR THE COMING YEAR:

KW distributed material for discussion and placing in our churches. Where do we go from here? What have we done right/wrong? What do we want? Need to be proactive. KW detailed the 5 marks of mission. Children's mission also discussed. Various Advent Course options were mentioned and one to be agreed. All Souls is a Benefice Service at St. Feock. Each church to provide a list of people to be remembered. St. Feock to let us know what is needed for readers and prayers. KW is working on the December Rota and will let us have it once Christmas Day is arranged. AD has agreed to take the service at Devoran; KW to be at St. Piran's. Other services and events discussed: Craft for Christmas at St. Piran's, Christingle, Carols. St. Feock to confirm when they wish to have Christingle and Christmas Communion. St. Feock confirmed Christmas Lunch at 12.30 on 16th December. St. Piran's events include Table-Top Sale on 15th October in the Perranwell Centre, Will Keating & John Dowling Candlelight Concert in church on 4th November, The Oggymen in church on 24th November. Possibility of Bible Studies starting in the New Year: Volunteers to lead? Ministry Team to be asked to look at Prayer Groups. Home Groups - St. Piran's want to restart Fellowship group fortnightly. (JT). Book Club to restart? (PS). Lent Course - to be looked at. (JD) Holy Week & Easter - KD and KW to look at Walking the Labyrinth. RT stated the need for an overall strategy within which to deliver these events and services. Emphasis on outreach. RT, AW & PS to deal with as a sub-group.

UPDATE ON CHILDREN/YOUTH MINISTRY: AR & JD - Need helpers to get things moving. Tots & Toys mentioned as in need of help, as well as Messy Church. PS asked to be sent all details for the website.

AOB: Gentlemen's Breakfast is on 29/10/22 at The Perranwell Centre at 9.00am.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 8th December at Devoran. 7 pm.

 

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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 23RD JUNE 2022 AT DEVORAN

Opening Prayer.

PRESENT: Revd. Karen Wilson (KW); Anne Ramsden (AR); Adrian Walker (AW); David Simmons (DS); Janet Thomas (JT); Jane Darlington (JD); Martin Davey (MD); Robert Talbot (RT); Paul Stuart (PS)

APOLOGIES: Rosalind Smith

MINUTES: Signed as an accurate record of last meeting.

MATTERS ARISING:

1/. Correction to Rosalind’s surname.

2/. JCC bank account still not in place or working. Previous meeting was informed the account was live. KW to chase up.

3/. Orders of Service for Service of the Word have been worked on by KW and JD. Now ready. OoS does not require churches’ approval as this is the prerogative of the Priest in Charge. This is an authorised service of the word, from the book of common worship, therefore does not need approval. AR will be printing copies of the service for Devoran. KW will print rest.

4/. RT asked about the request for a diary on the website. PS confirmed it has been in place since the day after the last meeting.

5/. KW said website is proving very useful to our people and others.

6/. Thanks to all who helped stage the Worship Without Walls services. Archbishop Welby very grateful.

REVIEW OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES:

KW stressed that Holy Week is a journey and the offerings in each church must reflect the breadth and depth of its meaning. It is not enough to reflect the triumphal arrival of Christ on Palm Sunday and then jump to the joy of Easter.

St. Piran’s held a Palm Sunday service, Maundy Thursday Agape Meal and vigil, Good Friday Walk of Witness with a service at the cross, Easter Saturday Egg Hunt for the children followed by Garden making, Bonfire and service of Light in church, communion on Easter Sunday. KW and JT recognised the need to evaluate the St. Piran’s Walk of Witness, due to diminishing numbers and increasing mobility problems of the participants.

Devoran held a children’s event on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, a Tenebrae service, Maundy Thursday service, Good Friday service and an Easter Communion. There was also a very impactful and moving Saturday Sunrise service, and a CUTC Walk of Witness, with more than 50 people attending, followed by a buffet at Penpol.

St. Feock held a service on Palm Sunday and an Easter Sunday Communion. KW said she was extremely distressed by the experience of preparing services for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at St. Feock, stripping the altar and nobody attending on either occasion. AR thought the situation was rude and unacceptable. KW pointed out that not only was there no congregation there was no organist/readers/intercessor. The church officers had not arranged for the service to be supported in any way, despite them being on the rota of worship services. She stressed that these are essential for the smooth running of a service and must be provided.

KW stressed that next year there needs to be services/events during the week in each church. MD said the congregation number at St. Feock on Easter Sunday was halved due to the time having been changed to 11.00am. He stressed that many regular attendees and annually attending visitors were unaware of the new time. Also, the choir held a practice at 10.00am and people thought that meant the service was due then. Many did not return at 11.00am. KW pointed out that people need to check arrangements rather than relying on unchanged circumstances. AFTERNOTE: MD’s e-mail difficulties about KW’s messages going into his Junk box and being immediately deleted were solved on 24th June, 2022. RT stressed the need to involve people in planning and publicity. There was discussion about publicity, advanced notice, and e-mail difficulties.

KW noted that next year we will not have two ordained ministers to cover Easter Sunday, so we need to plan and publicise whatever is arranged well in advance and much more “loudly”. JCC will consider how to provide a Eucharist on Easter Sunday for each church, especially as we shall only have one ordained minister. Suggestion was made that each church needs to take its turn with regard to times for Easter Sunday service.

KW stressed the importance of each church making sure there is an organist, readers and intercession provision for every service, as there have been “problems”.

MISSION AND OUTREACH:

KW highlighted the fact that we do not yet have a strategy and therefore a programme for mission. There are undoubtedly numerous initiatives and activities under way but they are not linked to a defined Waterside Churches strategy.

She referred to Faith, Hope and Love which is one already available for use. We must address the need to draw people to church. Our churches need to become the hub of our mission. JT pointed out that we have looked after ourselves for the best part of 12 years, without proper support and recognition from the Diocese and Deanery. Our achievements should be noted, valued and built upon.

YOUTH MINISTRY AND SCHOOLS:

AR and CR are working on this. AR to send details to PS for the website.

KW said that Devoran school will be attending end of year, harvest and Christmas services in church. She also has arrangements in hand for Perranarworthal School.

JD raised the idea of becoming involved with the Tots and Toys project in Devoran. She gave details, which will be e-mailed to JCC members, and asked for support in principal. Meeting agreed for JD to follow up and send details to us.

BANK ACCOUNT AND FUNDRAISING: See Matters Arising.

ON THE WAY UPDATE:

KW summarised the current situation. The Deanery Plan was agreed at the recent Deanery Synod. The Waterside Churches will remain as a ring fenced project for the two years left. KW asked for views.

AR thought that there has been a great deal of work with not much real outcome.

AW said he was unclear about the “guild” and is sure he is not alone. The explanation given in the plan is unnecessarily complicated. DS asked what happens after the end of our 3- year project.

KW has discussed this with Archdeacon Paul and Marc as Rural Dean. Neither has any intention of disturbing our arrangements during this time, or as we move into the ensuing years, with the proviso that we are successful! i.e. Fruitful and Sustainable.

JT said she is unclear as to whether the driving factor is a paucity of priests or lack of money. She also pointed out that the roles and work of our churchwardens is not being properly understood or valued.

JD said she saw The Waterside Churches as a journey, which we must see and use as an opportunity for change and improvement.

MD pointed out that roles in the Deanery Plan may be difficult to fill. This is especially true of the role of Treasurer, which is crucial and, in his opinion, not really a job for a volunteer. Secretary will also be important. He said the setting up of the Deanery Plan and its arrangements should be taken more slowly that is currently in writing. MD wondered whether we will be moved into the Truro group at the end of our three years. Already answered above. RT was thankful we are ring fenced and that KW has worked to protect us in this way. 

PS raised the difficulty of finding a “leader” for each church. Preparation and discernment takes at least 18 months. Care must be taken not to undervalue the commitment of our current LWLs in this regard. PS noted that Marc Baker promised the PCCs that sustainability would be discussed before the plan was published. That promise has not been delivered. Therefore, if the Deanery plan fails for any reason, that could be highlighted as a weakness. PS asked how many abstentions there had been at the recent Deanery Synod, as he could find no record. PS pointed out that our future depends on The Waterside Churches working together and being considered a success, especially towards the end of the three years and AD Paul and Marc Baker having promised we will continue as we are with the proviso of fruitfulness and sustainability.

AOB:

All three churches confirmed that their PCC’s have agreed to the 20% increase in optional fees for services. This will therefore be in force as new bookings are made.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 22nd September 2022. 7.00pm at Devoran.

 

CLOSING PRAYER

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SUMMATIVE NOTES FROM JCC MEETING – 9TH March, 2022

Welcome and opening prayer

PRESENT:

Revd. Karen Wilson (KW), Anne Ramsden (AR), Jane Darlington (JD), Paul Stuart (PS), Martin Davey (MD), Janet Thomas (JT), Robert Talbot (RT), Chris Ryall (CR), Adrian Walker (AW)

APOLOGIES:

Rosalind Weaver

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:

Accepted as accurate.

MATTERS ARISING:

KW said that JCC minutes should not appear on the website or in public, and quoted a Church of England regulation. The meeting discussed and will return to the subject. (AFTERNOTE: Church Representation Rules 2017 Appendix II 12(f):

“Other persons whose names are on the electoral roll may have access to the approved minutes of Council meetings held after the annual parochial church meeting in 1995 except any minutes deemed by the Council to be confidential"

12(g) “other persons may have access to the minutes of Council meetings only in accordance with a specific authorisation of the council provided that, where minutes have been deposited in the diocesan record office pursuant to the Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978, the authorisation of the council may be dispensed with”).

ON THE WAY:

KW gave a brief update of where we are in the process. All 11 churches in our group have had consultation. The resulting information has been collated and will now form the basis of a draft plan. Feedback to the churches will happen, followed by an exercise to look at sustainability. This process is happening across the Deanery and will end up in a Deanery plan to be submitted to the Bishops Synod. June is the deadline. KW stressed that nothing is “off the table”.

MISSION:

A/. Children and Youth Ministry. KW said that this was an absolutely vital area for all of our 3 churches. Whilst we must not forget the present congregations and their needs, we must ensure we access and build youth and young families’ work. The “Lost Generation” was also noted. Each of our parishes has roughly an equal number of young children. Help was offered by Hugh Barne from Kea. It was also noted that only a couple of children from within our Benefice goes to Kea for youth work. We must work together on this and each church was invited to forward a rep. AR, CR are keen to work on this and St. Feock will look to provide somebody. The idea of a Youth Group came forward. Our ageing demographic is a danger to our sustainability. PS to build a youth section for the website.

B/. Lent and Easter Services. Rotas were distributed. The main issue was the lack of clergy to provide Eucharist on Easter Day. The proposed solution (a “one-off” solution, hopefully) was 9.30 at St. Piran’s with KW, 10.00 at Devoran with Revd. Jeff James and 11.00 at St. Feock with KW. Holy Week events were agreed.

C/. SOW/ Orders of Service/BCP and Occasional Offices. KW asked for views. The general feeling was that they should become more easily accessible in terms of language and rituals to the wider world. SOW could be altered slightly to become more unified. JD and KW to deal with this and produce drafts. Eucharistic services were also discussed. All agreed that this needs a more radical review, whilst keeping the necessary requirements. KW and PS will look at the matter. Particularly detailed work needs to be done on the red book in use at St. Piran’s. JT raised the problem of baptisms in Communion services. Decision made to have baptisms in Service of the Word where possible.

D/. All agreed that we need to modernize our services in order to become much more appealing and accessible to the wider communities we serve. We must look at our mission by improving its visibility, accessibility, identity, communication. Overcoming fear of the church is an issue. Is our language user friendly? Easy to understand and follow? Do we communicate widely and effectively enough? Complacency is not an option.

OUTREACH: Each church gave a list of fundraising events for 2022 and how they fitted in with stated mission aims. PS asked all to send details to be put on the website. The role of the website was noted as vital in all our work. The statistics of page views for January and February 2022 clearly identified where more work is needed and what is more successful. Meeting also recognized the need to ensure other forms of advertising and communication are used, such as parish magazines, notices boards out and about in the parishes, pew sheets where appropriate, local radio and tv.

CHURCH BUILDINGS/HALLS: KW stressed that our churches and church halls must be the focal points for events, as well as services. It could be a case of use them or lose them! Publication of Church Hall booking for each church on the website should happen in all 3 churches, rather than just the one at present.

JCC BANK ACCOUNT: KW reported that the joint bank account now exists and is used to pay her expenses. Any Benefice fundraising events will also feed into this.

AOB: The matter of minutes appearing on the website was discussed. KW said this should not happen, Some disagreement about this. Research to be done to ascertain the proper resolution. KW said that there would be a review of the Waterside Churches after 2 years from the start of the project. PS reminded the meeting that the agreement remains that review is scheduled to happen after 3 years. KW also said that she understood that the idea is to end up with one PCC after the 3-year review. The meeting confirmed that the profile for the group specifically stated this not to be the case. We want to retain individual PCCs and control of finances and assets. RT asked about having a diary on the website. PS to look at that.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Wednesday 15th, June at St. Piran’s Church Hall at 7.00 pm

MEETING CLOSED WITH THE GRACE.