churchand other eventsevents

At the last PCC meeting the concerns raised by various members of the congregation regarding the times of the Sunday services were discussed at length.

The background to the changes to the times was talked through, and it is thought that it would be beneficial to remind people why the changes were made in January of this year. It was felt that as the average age of our congregations were in their mid seventies it was imperative that something should be done to attract younger people and families, or there was a real danger that our Church would cease to exist. Some members of the congregation also expressed concerns about the rush between services, so the Ministry Team was tasked with undertaking a review of the service times. This resulted in a questionnaire being completed by members of the congregation at both services, following advice from George Fisher, Diocesan Adviser, and the results compiled by the Ministry Team. These results showed that most people attending the 09.00 service wished it to stay at that time with some expressing a preference for an earlier service. The 10.30 congregation came out strongly in favour of having a service at 10.00.

These results were discussed at the meeting of the PCC in September 2009, and following a long and difficult discussion the decision was made for the services to change to 08.30 and 10.00 from January 2010. It was appreciated that this did not leave any more time between the services, but as it was felt that the service that would generate growth for our Church, would be the 10.00 service, it was decided that this was in the end the most important consideration for our Church as a whole.

These changes were implemented in January of this year, and following further representations, Rev Sue Caddy verbally agreed that there would be a review of the times in September. This review would be undertaken by the PCC, who represent the congregations, and would take into account any feedback received from both services. This review was duly undertaken, and it was appreciated that some people were very unhappy with the 08.30 service time, and wished to revert to the old times of 09.00 and 10.30. However, once again, and with some sadness, it was felt that the growth of the whole of our Church was our most important consideration, and this meant that the second service should stay at 10.00, which is favoured especially by parents with children. Without growth in our Church, it is a distinct possibility that we would not have a full time Priest in future, and in the worse possible scenario, that our Church could be closed.

The PCC were very conscious when the decision was made that this would upset some members of the congregations, and wanted to express their appreciation of all the support that they have given to Christ Church, recognising that they were a very valued part of our Church, although we have been unable to accommodate their wishes on this occasion.

Any member of one of the congregations who wishes to speak further about this matter, should talk to the Churchwardens, members of the PCC, or Rev David O'Brien. Please use the Wardens or PCC members to offer feedback; they our your representatives for this purpose.