Parochial Church Council (PCC)

PCC typically meets ten times per year (the missing months being April and August).

The following are currently members of PCC:
Rev Canon D Ainge, Rev Rosemary Drew, Rev Mark James, Rosemary Ayles, Tony Beecroft, Eileen Bell, Gerald Crowley, Gwynn Davies, Vera Davies, Bill Gibson, Elaine Peck, David Rose, David Walker, Pam Warren, Patrick Whittick.

The following points of interest have been taken from the PCC minutes:

May 2005

• It was reported that the Portakabin had been removed due to repeated vandalism
• The opening of the Quiet Garden by Bishop Edward had been well attended

June 2005

• Jo Wood kindly agreed to continue as Child Protection Officer, and confirmed that we have over 75 people in St Mary’s who require certification
• The forthcoming arrival of Mark James, his role and where he will live were discussed

July 2005

• The new altar frontal has been delivered and was used for the first time on July 17 at the evening service. Mrs. E Jackson is to be thanked and the frontal dedicated during the service on July 24
• Sue Berry came to talk about the Nursery’s proposed move to charitable status, and Sue and Belinda were thanked for all their hard work
• Work had started on re-roofing St Mary’s Room
• Mark James thanked the Friends and congregation for the BBQ and warm welcome he has received since arriving

August 2005

• No PCC meeting

September 2005

• Emma Jarratt has been appointed as DFS Youth Worker with effect from September 1
• PCC discussed and agreed to a plan to install handrails to the altar steps

October 2005

• Mark James reported on ‘Telling the Story’ which had taken place during the Dunmow carnival
• An Alpha course with 9 people had recently commenced

November 2005

• A proposal to move 4 pews from the north west corner of the church to the other side of the church was agreed
• Agreement on which charities will be supported at Christmas

December 2005

• Plans for ‘Walk Roding’ were discussed
• Plans for Prayers of Healing after the morning service were agreed

January 2005

• Emma Jarrett talked to PCC about her work so far with the Youth
• The treasurer confirmed to PCC that we had not been able to meet our Parish Share – but had paid a similar amount to the prior year

February 2005

• PCC agreed to Chelmsford Diocesan Synod’s request that we become a Fairtrade Parish, meaning that we will only use FairTrade coffee/tea/sugar
• The people who help with the working parties to help keep the fabric of the church in good order were thanked
• PCC agreed to seek Faculty permission to carry out restoration work to the Tower Clock

March 2005

• PCC unanimously agreed that Mrs J Ainge be put forward for selection as a Pastoral Assistant
• PCC discussed what options there might be for outreach within the community, which might require investigation into changes of property

My thanks are due to the PCC for their help, hard work and devotion.

Patrick Whittick