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 'Maureen's Musings'
April 2012
It is nearly April - which means it is nearly time for our APCM
- the Church AGM - So this month is an ideal opportunity for
me to publicly thank all those people who have in so many ways
helped keep the ministry of the church alive at St Chad's Pattingham
(not forgetting Patshull!) during the past 12 months. Particularly
our hard-working Church wardens, Dave and Mike, our PCC Secretary
Jane Horton and our Treasurer for the past year - Noi Swan. Sadly,
Noi's other work commitments have greatly increased in the past
12 months - which means she is not able to continue to fill the
role of Treasurer. So I am once again appealing if there is anyone
out there with accountancy skills and experience who might be
able to help us? We have a great team of volunteers who do all
the banking of moneys on a weekly basis, and Chris Bullock continues
to be a huge help in handling the day-to-day payments and receipts
(Thank you all) but we do still need someone to keep and monitor
our on-going P&L and cashflow accounts, to report to the
PCC regularly, and to prepare the annual accounts at the end
of the year for the auditors. We MUST identify someone by the
date of our APCM on April 15th., so if you think you might be
able to help, please let me know!
There are also four members of our PCC who's places are up for
re-election this year. I believe that they may be willing to
stand again, but that need not deter anyone else who would like
to be considered for this or indeed for election as sidesperson/welcomer.
But on a more positive note, I can report that the post of Verger
has been filled by David Bowden. David lives in Pattingham and
works both at Patshull Park Hotel and is something of an expert
in bus timetables(!) Given that he may not always be available
in the middle of the day, some of the keys will continue to be
available from Gladys, me or Gena - but do try David first please.
And a very big thank you to everyone who has helped 'fill in'
with verging duties since Mary Stubbs' retirement.
We will need lots more volunteers in various roles in the coming
months. There are gaps in the churchyard mowing rota (please
see Dave Sampson if you could help) and we will be looking for
adults willing and able to help with holiday club - this year
we think it will run on the 8th, 9th and 10th of August. Lisa
Ainsworth could also do with some extra help with the Sunday
School - as we have more and more children coming, which is fantastic!
New recruits to the choir are always welcome, not to mention
the Youth Service, and Messy Church, and TLC ...
There are so many ways in which the Church needs people - indeed
the church is nothing if not its people. Beautiful buildings
are all very well, but it is the worshipping community and communion
within, that make it feel alive and vibrant. I love serving in
a church where there are so many talented and able people and
where there can be a real feeling of a team working together
- all inspired by God's love for his people and our love for
this place and community.
At Easter we remember afresh the promise of new and eternal life;
we look to the cross and we glory in Christ's resurrection.
May God bless and keep you all, Happy Easter.
Maureen
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