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THE PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH

SHELTON WITH OXON

SHREWSBURY

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the year ending 31^st December 2010

Priest in Charge:

Rev David O’Brien

Oxon Vicarage, Shelton Gardens

Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury SY3 5AG

Bank: Auditor:

Natwest W J Andrews

Mardol Head 25 Larkhill Road

Shrewsbury Copthorne, Shrewsbury

Vicar’s Annual Report 2011 for Christ Church Shelton with Oxon, Shrewsbury

This past year at Oxon Church has been one of change. After 5 years of faithful ministry, Rev’d Sue Caddy was called to lead a Team Ministry in Nottinghamshire. Following the short interregnum, I began my ministry with you in September 2010.

Let me begin by thanking everybody for the warm welcome we have received as a family since coming to Oxon Church. It is a real blessing that we have settled into the area relatively quickly.

I write this report from the perspective of only 6 months in the parish and a newcomer to Shropshire. Therefore, I write with the realization that there is still a lot to learn about the church and the wider parish.

Strong Foundations

It is a tribute to Sue and the parish that we have such a strong team ethos. Like many churches, we struggle to find enough people to do all the jobs, and we have the perennial problem of never having enough money to go around. Nonetheless, on the whole, the ethos of giving and of shared ministry is healthy and a good foundation on which to build.

It is always fascinating to see what churches say about themselves. It was especially fascinating to see the person specification for the job ‘a Parish Priest with a Church Planter’s DNA.’ When a church uses this kind of language it points towards a level of self understanding in terms of the Christian call to mission. It is therefore a healthy sign that we recognize our call as a church to witness across the whole parish. The opportunities to do this are all around us. From the weekly assemblies taken at Oxon School, to the monthly ‘Fresh Expression’ at Copthorne Scout Hut, to the Junior Choir Club. We are fortunate that we have dedicated Wardens in Syd and Ann, and a PCC who want to their part in Growing the Kingdom. We can only move forward when we work together.

Signs of Growth

As we approach the Spring season, there are little signs of growth in various places. The monthly Scout Hut service now has a regular faithful cohort who attend. These services are mainly laity led by a faithful group taking responsibility for a service each month. The Junior Choir has 22 children on the role. Together with Linda and John, we are looking at ways of teaching the Christian faith and encouraging discipleship with the children. We also have very positive support from the parents, including their participation in services. We are blessed to have a team of dedicated Pastoral Assistants. We have those who help to co-ordinate weddings with preparation and enquiries, a small Baptism team, Bible readers, intercessors sides-people. We are grateful to those who have worked so hard in updating the church website. So much shared ministry that makes the church run effectively. And for which we can be truly grateful. Regular weekly assemblies are taken at Oxon School, where the Vicar teaches various aspects of the Christian faith. The children continue to come into church for the major festivals such as Harvest and Christmas.

It is early days, but there are encouraging signs of growth. The average weekly attendance for February was 50 at 10.00am. The 8.30am also continues to hold its’ own. Churches don’t like to talk too much about numbers. These are offered as observations. And of course when there is growth, the glory must go to God.

Looking Ahead

Building upon all of these positive things, we do, however, face challenges ahead. If we are to grow, we must reach out into the community. Some of this already happens, but we must always be looking ahead to what God wants to do next. How do we know what He wants to do? We discern His will together through prayer, Bible reading, service, and sometimes by taking risks.

This is why on Easter Sunday we are launching ‘Messy Church’ in the community hall on Gains Park.

Thanks to God

Thank you for your faithfulness in giving. We have once again paid our Parish Share of £41,042 for this last year. Once again we will face financial challenges this year. So we must each look at different ways of giving to God’s work. We must be willing to express new ideas for fundraising. We can take heart from the fact that the community here is good at responding to appeals, as they did for the Hall Roof Appeal.

Whatever we do we must never put the cart before the horse. When we are faithful to God in proclaiming the Gospel, and when we are genuinely seeking to do His will. He will bless us.

This was drawn out during our Parish Away Day in January at Meole Brace. We already had an idea of what we should be doing and where we should be going. As we work together we realized that our whole Vision statement cold be summed up in three words, “Welcome, Worship, Witness”. May this be our desire and focus for prayer in the year ahead.

We have a lot to be thankful for as a church. A long list of names could have been provided. But then there is always the danger someone would be missed out. So whoever you are and for whatever you do. A great big thank you to you!

Glory to God, and a big thank you to His people.

Rev’d David O’Brien

28/02/11

CHRIST CHURCH SHELTON WITH OXON

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 10 APRIL 2011

VESTRY MEETING

AGENDA

Prayers

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 18 April 2010

3. Matters Arising

4. Appointment of Tellers (if required)

5. Election of Churchwardens

CHRIST CHURCH SHELTON WITH OXON

MINUTES OF VESTRY MEETING

18 April 2010

at 0930 in the Church

There were forty five members of the congregation present, and Neil Harris, Vice Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting and led the prayers.

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Jennie Burrows.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2009

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2009 were accepted as correct, proposed by Ann Hartley and seconded by John Bowen. This was passed unanimously.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. Appointment of Tellers

Tellers were not required for the election of churchwardens.

5. Election of Churchwardens

It was proposed by Jan Webber and seconded by Susan Winwood that Ann Hartley be elected as Churchwarden. This was agreed unanimously.

It was proposed by Mary Rencher and seconded by Sylvia Colley that Sydney Hopgood be elected as Churchwarden. This was agreed unanimously.

Angela Haines thanked them both for standing as Churchwardens, especially with all the extra work involved during the interregnum.

CHRIST CHURCH SHELTON WITH OXON

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 10 APRIL 2011

AGENDA

1. Apologies as read

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 18 April 2010

3. Matters Arising

4. Appointment of Tellers (if required)

5. Election of PCC Members – 5 members

6. Election to Deanery Synod - 3 members

7. Electoral Roll

8. Trustees’ Report

9. Annual Report on Financial Affairs

10. Appointment of Auditors

11. Fabric Report

12. Deanery Synod Report

13. Any other Matters of Parochial Church Interest

14. Date of Next Meeting

CHRIST CHURCH SHELTON WITH OXON

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

18 April 2010

at 0930 in the Church

1. Apologies

Apologies were accepted as read.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2009

The minutes of the above meeting were unanimously accepted as correct, with the exception that item 9 should read £1,500. Proposed by Angela Haines and seconded by David Shepherd.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. Appointment of Tellers (if required)

Tellers were not required for the election of PCC members.

5. Election of PCC Members

There were four vacancies on the PCC for three years, and the following people had been proposed for election to the PCC:- Angela Haines, Sheila Astbury, Jenn Lewis and Diana Murdock. They were elected unanimously.

There was one vacancy for one year, and Susan Winwood had been proposed for election. She was elected unanimously.

6. Election to Deanery Synod

There are three vacancies for the Deanery Synod but no nominations had been received for these positions. If anyone is interested in these vacancies they should speak to the Churchwardens or Neil Harris.

7. Electoral Roll

The electoral roll now stood at 122, with changes and revisions being made throughout the year.

8. Trustees’ Report

It was proposed by David Shepherd and seconded by Sydney Hopgood that the report be accepted, and this was agreed unanimously.

9. Annual Report on Financial Affairs

The Treasurer reported that a deficit is anticipated for 2010, and whilst he was well aware of the current financial situation, people were asked to consider if they could increase their giving in anyway during 2010.

Angela Haines said that she was very disappointed that the church had been unable to give to charity this year, and it was agreed this would be discussed at the PCC in May.

Ros Shepherd proposed that the report be accepted and this was seconded by Wendy Bailey, and agreed unanimously.

The Treasurer, David Shepherd, was thanked for his hard work and commitment during the last twelve months.

10. Appointment of Auditors

It was proposed by Wendy Bailey and seconded by David Shepherd that Mr Andrews be appointed Auditor. This was accepted unanimously.

A letter of thanks would be sent to Mr Andrews, for all his work with the yearly accounts.

11. Fabric Report

A full report had been circulated, and at least £55,000 was needed to catch up with the Quinquennial repairs. Grants are being applied for, but the Churchwardens cannot devote all their time to this work, and more help is needed from other members of the congregation.

12. Deanery Synod Report

The report was accepted as read.

13. Any Other Matters of Parochial Church Interest

Ann Hartley report that interviews for the post of Parish Priest will be held next week.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 0955.

14. Date of Next Meeting

The next APCM will be held on Sunday 10 April 2011 at 0930 in the Church.

CHRIST CHURCH SHELTON WITH OXON

Shrewsbury

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the Year ended 31 December 2010

Administrative Information

Christ Church is situated on Welshpool Road, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury. It is part of the Diocese of Lichfield within the Church of England. Correspondence address is Oxon Vicarage, Shelton Gardens, Shrewsbury, SY3 5AG.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commission.

PCC members who have served from January 2009 until the date this report was approved are:-

Incumbent: The Rev’d Sue Caddy Chair - until 4 April 2010

The Rev’d David O’Brien Chair - from 8 September 2010

Wardens Ann Hartley

Sydney Hopgood MBE

Representatives on the Deanery Synod:

Yvonne Worrall - until 18 April 2010

Three Vacancies - wef 18 April 2010

Elected Members:

Richard Harper - until 18 April 2010

Wendy Bailey

Sue Seales

Pauline Johnson

Jenny Onions

Neil Harris

Margaret Mapp

John Bowen

Jenn Lewis - elected 18 April 2010

Diana Murdock - elected 18 April 2010

Sheila Astbury - elected 18 April 2010

Angela Haines - elected 18 April 2010

Susan Winwood - Secretary elected 18 April 2010 (for one year)

David Shepherd - Treasurer (ex officio wef 13 May 2010)

Structure, Governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives and activities

Christ Church’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, initially the Rev’d Sue Caddy then Rev’d David O’Brien, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church and Old School Community Hall on the Welshpool Road, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury.

Achievements and performance;

Church Attendance

There are 123 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 28 of whom are not resident within the parish. The average weekly attendance, counted during 2010, was 75 but this number increases at festivals and Christmas carol services etc, when attendance sometimes exceeds the available seating.

Review of the year.

The full PCC met thirteen times during the year with an average attendance of sixty seven per cent.

The Mission and Social Concern Sub Committee met once, the Pastoral Care and Financial and General Purposes Sub Committees met three times during the year. Minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and discussed where necessary.

The Ministry Team currently has three members.

Oxon Link Magazine, the parish magazine, is produced and delivered to every home in the parish every two months, which is a total of 3600 copies. From November 2010 it will be published quarterly.

During 2010 there were 24 Child Baptisms and I adult Baptism, 8 Weddings and 1 Blessing, and 7 funerals.

Oxon Church joined the Diocesan ‘Back to Church Sunday’ initiative and held its own services on Sunday 26^th September. A small number of visitors attended the service together with our regular congregation.

The Parish Profile and Mission Action Plan were reviewed with the Bishop of Shrewsbury and the Archdeacon, as part of the process of the appointment of a new Priest in January 2010.

The revised Mission Action Plan listed the achievements of Oxon Church over the last two years. The following is a list of what has been achieved in 2010

· Re-pointed brickwork around the church entrance and replaced several damaged stones

· Transferred responsibility for maintaining the churchyard back to Shropshire Council, with effect from April 2010.

· Replaced one failing heater in the Old School Community Hall

· Carried out repairs to the Church audio system and purchased new microphones

· Carried out a detailed survey of the Old School Community Hall roof and awarded contracts to carry out repairs and replace tiles across the entire roof in January 2011.

· DAC approval obtained to install cupboards and working surfaces along the rear wall of the church either side of the clock mechanism and contract awarded to carry out the work in January 2011.

· Awarded a contract to replace the windows on the Old School Community Hall in the first quarter of 2011.

Financial Review

The Financial Statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2001 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

General Funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the PCC. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC.

The accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other Church groups that owe an affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Subject to the above, receipts and payments include income as received and expenditure when irrevocably paid.

Receipts

Total receipts on ordinary funds were £51,859 and are detailed in the financial statements

The planned giving through envelopes and banker’s orders again decreased by over 12% cent whilst gift aid donations remained as in line with last year. There was also a reduction of 16% in plate and other donations. However over £3500 was raised by a very successful Flower Festival. Bank interest was again low and total monies received from Gift Aid Tax recovery reduced by £1,300 .The overall impact is a reduction of £4,128 in our income compared with last year.

Additional costs were also incurred due to Rev’d Sue Caddy leaving, and our need to advertise for a replacement.

As a result of a second funding campaign and a grant of £6,000 from Shropshire Council the Fabric fund had total receipts of £12,168, which after paying for some repairs and architect fees now stands at £23,510. However over £11,000 of this sum is committed to carry out essential repairs to the Old School Community Hall roof in January 2011.

Vision Fund receipts were £292 although these were exceeded by outgoings of £2,608 incurred to pay for and the initial outlay for the new cupboards

The Audio fund had receipts from weddings/funeral etc of £779 although these were also exceeded by outgoings of £1,279 for repairs to the organ and new microphones.

All transactions are detailed separately within the financial statement.

Payments

£55,997 was spent to provide the Christian ministry from Christ Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share of £41,042, which goes towards the stipends and housing for the clergy. The parish share for 2011 will increase very slightly to £41,352.

A further £200 was also paid into the Vicarage Maintenance Fund held by the LDBF towards any future costs. The advent of a new Vicar has necessitated a redecoration of the Vicarage, which has reduced the Vicarage fund to £204.

Additional costs were also incurred due to Rev’d Sue Caddy leaving and our need to advertise for a replacement.

Charitable Giving

Amounts totalling £1,199 have been raised and forwarded to various appeals throughout the year e.g.: -

Self Help Africa

Haiti Appeal

Pakistan Flood Appeal

Severn Hospice

Bishops Ordination

Bishops Lent Appeal

Church members supported Christingle, but monies do not go through church accounts, and are therefore not included in the above.

The net result for the year was an excess of payments over receipts payments (excluding restricted funds) of £4,138 and this has reduced our General Fund reserve to £88 a dangerously low figure. A fund drive is planned for this year in order to try and balance our books.

Quinquennial Report

The Quinquennial Report, (a survey and report carried out for the church every five years), was completed during 2007. This has enabled the PCC to carry out most of the urgent repairs identified in this report. Significant extra funds are still needed to complete repairs and further essential maintenance.

Risk Management Statement

We are required to give a Risk Management Statement whereby risks are assessed and decisions made. We are pleased to report that the auditor did not identify any areas of risk in either the 2009 or 2010 accounts. There are many dedicated persons carrying out the various duties within the whole accounting system and day-to-day financial management, and these people provide essential checks and balances.

Approved by the PCC on 2011 and signed on their behalf by Rev’d David O’Brien (PCC Chairman) and David Shepherd (PCC Treasurer)

………………………. ……………………….

Chairman Treasurer

Christ Church Shelton with Oxon
Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2010
General Fund Receipts And Payments Account
RECEIPTS		2010		2009
	£	£	£	£
Voluntary Income
Planned giving	22330		25385
Plate and Other donations	6063		7262
Giftaid donations	2936		2834
Interest on CBF Deposit Accounts	158		244
Income Tax recovered	6680		7967
		38167		43692
Other Voluntary Income
Fund Raising		6210		2716
Income from Other Sources
Old School Hall	3960		2555
Fees	2016		2987
Link advert fees	665		878
Miscellaneous	824		3202
		7465		9622
TOTAL RECEIPTS		51842		56030
PAYMENTS
Grants
Overseas Missions, Relief Agencies & Charities		33		155
Activities directly relating to Church work
Parish Share (Family Purse)	41042		41128
Church running expenses	3639		5811
Clergy support costs	966		1612
Upkeep of Services	2951		2521
Vicarage Maintenance	276		272
Old School Hall running expenses	1937		2956
		50811		54300
Church Management and Administration
Miscellaneous	1741		420
Fund raising Costs	675		672
Printing, Licences and Office Costs	2720		2983
		5136		4075
TOTAL PAYMENTS		55980		58530
EXCESS OF PAYMENTS OVER RECEIPTS		-4138		-2500
General Fund as at 01/01/2010		4226		6726
General Fund as at 31/12/2010		88		4226
Christ Church Shelton with Oxon
Statement for the year ended 31 December 2010
Special Services - Restricted Fund
			2010		2009
RECEIPTS			£		£
Heating			740		1050
Clergy Fees			1594		5099
Verger/Organist/Upkeep of services			1426		2280
Churchyard Maintenance			16		574
			3776		9003
PAYMENTS
Heating			740		1050
Clergy Fees			1594		5099
Verger/Organist/Upkeep of services			1426		2280
Churchyard Maintenance			16		574
			3776		9003
Excess of Receipts over Payments			0		0
Voluntary Income - Charities - Restricted Fund
RECEIPTS
Donations for Nominated Charities			1199		1012
PAYMENTS
Donations to Nominated Charities			1199		1012
Excess of Receipts over Payments			0		0
Mary Darlington - Churchyard Fund - Restricted
Balance at start of year			1732		1805
Unit Value Adjustments			12		-73
Unit Value Adjustments
Balance at end of year			1744		1732
Fabric Fund - Designated Fund
RECEIPTS
Monies Received			12174		10173
			12174		10173
PAYMENTS
Building Repairs/ Architect fees etc			4299		9239
Excess Receipts			7875		934
Balance at beginning of year			15641		14707
Balance at end of year			23516		15641
Christ Church Shelton with Oxon
Statement for the year ended 31 December 2010
Jean Leese Bequest Fund			2010		2009
RECEIPTS			£		£
Balance b/fwd			245		245
			0		0
			245		245
PAYMENTS
			0		0
			0		0
Balance at end of year			245		245
Vicarage Maintenance Fund - Held by LDBF
Balance at beginning of year			950		700
Payments			996		0
Receipts			250		250
Balance at end of year			204		950
Music, P.A. and Audio - Designated Fund
RECEIPTS
Donations, weddings, funerals etc			779		820
			779		820
PAYMENTS
Organ, Music, P.A , audio expenses			1,278		288
			1,278		288
Excess receipts/payments			-499		532
Balance at beginning of year			1472		940
Balance at end of year			973		1472
Church Project Vision Fund - Restricted Fund			2010		2009
RECEIPTS			£		£
Donations and Fund Raising Events			170		240
Income Tax recovered on gift aid donations			68		382
CBF Interest			54		187
			292		809
PAYMENTS
Move of Font			0		3513
New Cupboards			2608		0
			2608		3513
Excess Receipts			-2316		-2704
Balance at beginning of year			11117		13821
Balance at end of year			8801		11117
Christ Church Shelton with Oxon
Statement for the year ended 31 December 2010
Reconciliation of Bank and Fund Balances
			2010		2009
BANK BALANCES			£		£
Bank - Current Account			7627		7465
Bank - Current Account Vision			77		789
CBF General Deposit			17194		14968
CBF - Restricted Deposit (Vision)			8724		10328
CBF Churchyard ( M Darlington Investment)			1744		1732
Vicarage Maintenance (Held by LDBF)			204		950
			35570		36232
FUNDS			£		£
General Fund			88		4226
Vicarage Maintenance (LDBF) Fund			204		950
Mary Darlington Churchyard Fund			1744		1732
Audio Fund			973		1472
Fabric Fund			23515		15641
Church Project Vision Fund			8801		11117
Jean Leese Bequest Fund			245		245
Flower Festival			0		848
			35570		36231
Balance at end of year			8801		11117

Churchwardens Report 2010

Churchwarden Appointments

At the APCM on 18 April 2010 Sydney Hopgood and Ann Hartley were re-elected, for 12 months.

Interregnum

We would like to thank everyone, Deputy Churchwardens, Stewards, Jenny Onions our Verger and numerous others who helped during the year, and particularly during the interregnum.

Special thanks go to Sue Winwood our PCC Secretary who worked tirelessly on our Parish Profile, to David Shepherd our Treasurer who helped Ann enormously with the Sequestration Account, to Neil Harris our Sacristan, always on hand to help and advise, to John Bowen our Organist and editor of Pew News who worked on the Licensing Service and to Sheila Astbury and Sue Seales who worked on Baptisms and Weddings.

A big part of our work as a church is outreach, and thanks goes to Dave Thomas who edits Link and to Jan Webber who took over the organisation of the printing, folding and distribution. Thank you also to Rodney Worral for all the work he has done on our website in the past and to Nick Paterson who has taken over from him.

Whenever we asked for assistance from the congregation, help was forthcoming, and we feel that we not only survived the interregnum, but grew in strength.

New Priest-in-Charge

We were delighted to welcome Rev David O’Brien, Alison and Joshua at the Licensing Service on 8^th September and thank David for the support he has given since his arrival.

Church Fabric

Quinquennial Report 2006-07.

Since the last Churchwarden report, the only work undertaken is to the entrance porch. Major re-pointing to brick work has been completed and the four arch stones have been replaced at a “supply only” cost of £600.00. A huge thank you to Alan Jones for all the work he has done.

Due to unforeseen repairs needed on the hall there are insufficient funds to undertake any other repairs listed in the above report.

Work completed during 2010.

During the report period the following work has been completed:

Maintenance.

Service of main central heating boiler.

Service and repair of Church electric organ.

Replacement of loop system transmitter box.

Replacement of both microphones and amplifier.

Repair of broken pew bench.

Repair of electrics to altar cross light.

Re-siting of heating pipes into floor (side door).

New work.

The West Wing cupboard project has now started and will be completed by the end of February 2011.

Churchyard

A full year has passed since Shropshire Council took complete responsibility of the churchyard maintenance and has improved the overall general standard and presentation of the churchyard area.

Volunteers still undertake a few weekend garden work parties during the summer months, as well as maintaining the high standard of the Garden of Remembrance.

Two parishioners donated three new benches and several paving slabs to be sited in the Garden of Remembrance.

The general rubbish area adjacent to the Garden of Remembrance has now been removed (for good) and grassed over, which has improved the overall ambience for the better.

Old School Hall

The hall roof was inspected by both the church architect Rodney Bellamy and a local approved roofing company R.G.Hinds. Both agreed that the roof should be replaced as soon as possible as it had deteriorated beyond the repair stage. The approximate cost was quoted as £11,500. Fund raising started in October 2010 and work commenced late December 2010. During the repairs further unforeseen damage was discovered and confirmed by our architect which will increase the cost to £13,500.

The roof has now been fully replaced and fund raising has, within a few hundred pounds, reached its target.

In late November one of the heating units failed, it was inspected by a contractor and declared uneconomical to repair and finally replaced at a cost of £1,750.00.

The PCC agreed in December 2010, to replace the four large wooden framed single pane windows with 28mm thick PVC framed windows of the same style. These are currently on order and should be fitted late February 2011.

Sydney Hopgood MBE and Ann Hartley.

Ministry Team Report 2010

In February the three lay members of the team met with Rev. Sue for the last time before she left the parish. Plans for the leaving services were discussed and best wishes for the future expressed.

During the interregnum meetings were held with the churchwardens as and when necessary to deal with the ongoing work of the church and once the new appointment had been made to discuss the plans for the licensing service.

The team met with Rev. David at the beginning of November when he explained his hopes for a healing ministry to be developed, a long term project, and the change to an all age service on the first Sunday in the month was discussed. In December we were told about the changes which would affect most clergy when Common Tenure came into force in the New Year. There will be diocesan changes to local ministry which could affect ministry teams so there will be no point in having a calling out process for a new team until there is some clarity. The need to have some form of Seeker Courses was highlighted and the possibility of Messy Church in the Gains Park Community Hall was discussed.

It is hoped that a diocesan representative will attend a meeting early in 2011 to inform us about the changes.

Jennie Burrows Angela Haines Pauline Johnson

Ministry Team members

Deanery Synod Report 2010

The first meeting of the year was at Oxon church in March, at this time there were no lay representatives from Oxon as both members elected for the three years of this synod had resigned. Rev'd. Sue Caddy was still in post at this time and she presided at the meeting. A report was received from the General Synod on Women Bishops and we were thanked for paying our Parish Share in full.

At the May meeting of the P.C.C. we agreed to serve as lay representatives for the remaining one year of the current synod.

All the meetings start with prayer and then the minister of the church where that meeting is being held give a brief history of the church and information about their current situation.

The June meeting was held at St.Eata’s church in Atcham, gratitude for his time as a member was expressed to Rev’d. Ralph Goldenberg who was retiring. There was a talk on the subject “Giving for Life” outlining the principles of this report and stressing the importance of talking about giving. Parishes had been asked to appoint a Parish Giving Link to champion the cause of Christian Stewardship in their parish. Those appointed within the Shrewsbury Deanery were identified and it was pleasing to see that Oxon was on the list. A report on the Diocesan Synod was received, Bishop Jonathan had explained his new role as he is now a member of the House of Lords and there had been a presentation about the Wedding Project, which aims to encourage more young people to get married in church. There followed a challenging talk on the subject of youth work in the deanery entitled “Raising a New Generation”.

During the summer representatives were asked to vote for the new diocesan representatives on the General Synod.

The final meeting of the year was in November at St. Chad’s church where new members of the clergy, including David, were welcomed. Mark Thomas gave a report on the meeting of the General Synod; in 2012 there will need to be a two-thirds majority on the issue of women bishops. There will be a library of resources for Fresh Expressions of church. Locally Archbishop Rowan had spent one and a half hours at The Ark after the day in Telford and the idea of a Street Pastor Scheme in Shrewsbury was being considered.

Rev’d Catherine McBride and Rev’d Jane Willis gave an interesting and amusing presentation on “Surviving an Interregnum”; they are both local curates and have had this experience recently. It came too late for any hints for us!

Margaret Mapp Pauline Johnson Deanery Synod Reps.

PASTORAL CARE TEAM REPORT 2010

Members of the team have continued this behind the scenes ministry throughout the year, visiting parishioners in their own homes, residential and nursing homes and in hospital. Often a listening ear can make a big difference and confidentiality is a very important aspect of this work. Unfortunately, with personal and family problems and commitments, at times we have not been able to do as much as we would have wished.

As well as the visiting, team members have been involved with Baptisms, Weddings, Home Communions in houses, residential homes and sheltered accommodation and Junior Choir Club so pastoral care relates to many aspects of church life.

During the year I have taken part in a couple of diocesan meetings including the annual diocesan Pastoral Ministers Day at Colwich Abbey. The speaker this year was Rev. Roger Vaughan who is very interesting and amusing. Roger will be coming to lead a course in our parish in 2011, which will be a great opportunity for us.

Pauline Johnson

Pastoral Care Minister

Marriages in Church

Eight couples were married at Christ Church during 2010, and we had one Marriage Blessing. We have nine weddings booked for 2011 and a further three for 2012.

We are continuing the practice of sending “1^st Anniversary cards”, both to couples married here and to those whose banns were published at Christ Church.

Sue Seales.

Wedding Co-ordinator.

Churches Together in Shrewsbury

The President’s theme for the current year was Stewardship.

During 2009/2010 the speakers at our meetings were:-

Howard Hutchings, speaking about the work of the Ecumenical Green Group (EGG). The evening also included a humorous sketch about caring for God’s creation and a very interesting DVD about the work of the conservation group AROCHA.

In November David Carter, from Barnabas, talked about the work of Barnabas Money Advice, providing support, advice and practical help to people struggling with debt problems.

At Oxon Church in February Steve Barnwell and Charles Crossland from Shrewsbury Baptist Church gave a presentation about the ongoing work for the future of Claremont Church in the town centre. Richard Hayes then spoke about the vision for St Alkmunds Church to become a centre for spirituality in our town centre. The latter was followed by an interactive Bible Study on Bartimaeus.

Following the business meeting at the Greek Orthodox Church in June, we enjoyed a social time of sharing food, conversation and company together (as well as dismantling the marquee afterwards!).

The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was ‘You are a Witness’. The Bishop of Shrewsbury spoke at a very well attended service at Holy Trinity Meole Brace. Lunchtime prayers were held each day at St Julian’s.

Fifty-seven people joined the six Ecumenical Lent Groups, with fourteen churches represented.

The Good Friday Walk through the town centre continued to be a good witness to the people of Shrewsbury.

Crosstalk articles provide a weekly Christian viewpoint in the Shrewsbury Chronicle.

On a personal note, we have said goodbye to Reverend Sue Caddy from Oxon Church, who has served CTIS faithfully on the Executive.

We are very pleased that Reverend Fred Beddow is now our CTIS Rep.

We sent our best wishes to Ray Nunn, a long standing Quaker member of CTIS, who celebrated his 90^th birthday this year.

We gave thanks for the life of Reverend Martin Whitwell and remembered in prayer CTIS members who were ill.

Margaret Mapp

Annual Women’s Fellowship Report 2010

Women’s Fellowship have been meeting on the second Tuesday each month during 2010, unfortunately our numbers are dropping. We would welcome new members.

Besides our monthly meetings, we also hold a cake stall after both services on the First Sunday of each month. The money we raise goes to church funds.

Once a year we have a fund raising event, and the money raised from this event goes to Our Chosen Charity for that year. This year we gave £300 to Shrewsbury Ark and Ian and Hillary gave their fee of £50 as well.

WE HAVE HAD AN INTERESTING YEAR

Jan – AGM: Re-elected were Marina Gofton-Watson as Leader, Margaret Mapp as Secretary and Jan Humphreys as Treasurer.

Feb – Mr Tucker from Shropshire Wild Life gave an interesting talk on Hay Meadows.

Mar – Wine Tasting with Dave Thomas.

Apr – Justine Flack told of her time spent in Ecuador teaching English to Spanish speaking schoolchildren, after taking a crash course in Spanish.

May – Pictures in Harmony with Hillary and Ian Templeton was our fund raising event for the year.

June – No meeting for all resources were needed for the Flower Festival.

July – This was supposed to be a Strawberry Tea in Ref and Barbara Fuller’s garden. It has to be held indoors because of inclement weather.

Aug – No meeting.

Sept – Martin Kirky came from the Land Registration Office to explain to us about Land Registration.

Oct – Hillary and Ian Templeton volunteered to come once more with different slides and again donated their £50 fee to The Ark, plus £47 was raised on the raffle.

Nov – Priscilla Roscoe entertained us, demonstrating ways of ‘Tying Scarves’ and this was followed by Poetry Reading.

Dec – Christmas Dinner again at the Green Hous Meadow (previously Pro Star).

All our meetings this year have been poorly attended, and we intend to review the situation at the AGM in January.

This concludes the report.

Margaret Mapp

Flower Festival 2010

After twelve months of planning, the church flower festival came alive in June 2010. Thanks to many volunteers, both artistic, culinary, and jacks-of-all-trades, we raised a wonderful amount, just over three and a half thousand pounds.

 The theme of the festival was ‘The creation to the new creation’. This started at the church gate, and ran all the way to the altar, a wonderful walk of light, which was interspersed with very creative floral designs, too many to mention. We began with light and dark in the porch, Moses in the bulrushes, Jonah and the whale, and Oxon School went to town on Joseph’s coat of many colours. The Brownies also contributed a flower-covered bike.

 Halfway House Ladies and Male voice choirs gave their services for free, a most enjoyable concert in the church, followed by a wonderful buffet enjoyed by both choir and audience.    

There was a steady flow of people throughout the three days. These were fed and watered by a very efficient team of Oxon scone and cake experts. All the food was excellent. A period of very hard work, but very worthwhile.

Penny Hughes

Church Flower Arranger

Junior Choir Club

From a base of 12 members this time last year we are delighted that membership has grown to 22 with a weekly attendance of 16 or more. The children and their families continue to attend “All age worship” services on the first Sunday of each month and are encouraged to come to the newly introduced “All age communion” on the 3^rd Sunday of the month. In addition to their choral pieces, children and parents contribute to these services by leading prayers and doing the Bible readings.

The children meet each Wednesday in term time at 6.15pm to do craft, activities and games and share refreshments. We enjoyed a tea and craft afternoon at the vicarage and are currently planning Good Friday Workshops, an outing and a summer ‘party’.

With increased numbers, and to comply with Child Protection Regulations we have had to increase the very loyal band of church volunteers keeping the club going – for which a very big ‘Thank You’ to all.

This has proved to be an area of growth in the church where we have been able to ‘Welcome, Worship and Witness’ and we remind everyone that Junior Choir Club is open to all over 7’s in the Parish (not only members of Oxon School) and interested children and volunteers are asked to contact Linda or John.

John Bowen & Linda Harris

February 2011