SAFE SPACES:

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England or the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

A telephone helpline and live chat is available 0300 303 1056   LiveChat/ Website safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

SAFE SPACES

Website: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/

E-mail: 

Phone nunber: 0300 303 1056   (Opening times :  Mon-Wed: 10am – 6pm;Thursday: 12pm – 8pm; Fri-Sat: 10am – 6pm; Sun: Closed

Our Lady of the Annunciation - Bishop Eton 

Bishop Eton Parish Council Meeting

Time:    Wednesday 11th March at 8:00pm

Venue: Hughes Room

Attendees

APOLOGIES

Vacancies                                    Representing: Parish Charities, Evangelisation, Young People 

Minutes

1. Introductory Prayer 

TBu opened the meeting with a prayer.

2. Welcome, apologies, minutes and matters arising

DM action re Traditional Carol Service closed.

KR action re Woodland trust closed.

FS action re discussing PCT role with members of YJ&P Group on hold during exam period

3. Site Refurbishment and Action Plan

HM, AC, DM and TBu met with John B to discuss the plan of potential work and associated costs. HM and AC felt that there was a misunderstanding around the purposes of the meeting, and John was unhappy with what he felt was happening. The intention was to build a structured costed plan of works for review and approval by the PCT. This had been tried previously via the Finance Committee but never followed through to completion.

The archdiocese acknowledge they are behind where they should be in respect of managing building works across the archdiocese, and giving decision on proceeding with defined programme of work. 

John B met with the archdiocesan surveyor and feels he may have made a breakthrough in terms of obtaining financial support via the archdiocese. Expectation is that the current “known” programme will require around £400-£500k to fulfil, but this doesn't account for actions that arise as work starts.

John has prepared a letter to go into the bulletin that states at a high level what we need and ask for support in submitting grant applications to gain additional funds from external bodies, e.g. Heritage England, National Lottery.

AC stated that we need to have an overall picture before we start applying for pots of money.

HM gave a quick summary of FMH works that have been completed recently

• • Decking behind FMH had been taken up
  • Wall inside had been taken back and replastered
  • Rotted skirting board had been taken out and replaced
  • Door frame has been repaired
  • Roof repairs have been completed

Action: KR/HM to define list of tasks expected in FMH

4. GDPR

Historically MZ had spoken to LACE to find out what information they had in respect of parish obligations on GDPR. Recently LACE have engaged directly.  Debbie J is the Data Protection Officer for the archdiocese, and as such is responsible for  GDPR issues.

Debbie has provided substantial material relating to GDPR for distribution to appropriate groups and individuals within the parish, as well as offering to run workshops to familiarise parishioners with the implications of and responsibilities arising from GDPR.

The supplied documents are complex and wider ranging than many in BE will need. It was agreed that the key points need to be understood and followed by groups should be distilled and distributed. Group communications needed to be regulated and managed in accordance with defined parish policy.

There was lengthy discussion around the implications of GDPR on day to day communications for all groups, and particularly around how email addresses could be sensibly and securely managed. EM agreed to do some research to inform this discussion next time

Action: EM to look into security of email distribution lists and bcc function.

It was agreed that the GDPR material needs to be simplified if we expect people to engage with it. It was suggested that we ask MZ if she can help in this area, given her experience and expertise on this topic.

Action: KR to discuss with MZ about slimming down LACE content.

 5. Webcam Broadcasting

AC reverted to the company that provided the original quotes for webcams to check on their pricing, and whether they had the appropriate policies to cover the necessary protections for the operational system if implemented.

There was lively discussion around whether there's is a need for a webcam service at the moment and where it would fit in the list of priorities of current works required. It became clear that there is an issue around understanding and engaging with the housebound members of the BE community to clearly identify what their needs are in respect of being part of the parish.

AC explained the rationale and arguments about using such a system as found in other parishes, which had been behind the initial conversations previously.

It was agreed that, in order to make an informed decision there are a number of actions that need to be completed, including building the full programme of parish works so that a properly planned and costed approach can be taken holistically.

To feed into that process AC and EM will work on an outline business case with options for a webcam service

Action: AC/EM to pull together a statement of options for meeting in May. (AC/EM)

6. Updates from sub-groups

Catechesis (TBr) 

1. 1. Creation Mass will take place but no details as yet. 

AC thought the date had been fixed for the Creation Mass for 26th April. TBr said that TW hasn't confirmed, and that date clashed with a With You Always Sunday. The previous week is low Sunday. TBr awaiting a response from TW. Will look at the 29th March as preferred option.

Action: AC to email TW to progress.

2. 1. No candidates for Adult Confirmation. 
   2. Rehearsal for children's school Way of the Cross is at 9.30 on Good Friday. 

Ecumenism (JH)

1. 1. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. No special events this year, beyond the use of a prayer at all Masses, composed by Fr. Tim. It is hoped that once the Holy Trinity Brompton Team has fully taken over St. Barnabas's, members of the Anglican Team Ministry will be more available to take part in shared events.
   2. World Day of Prayer March 6th. (Formerly Women's World Day of Prayer) took place in Bishop Eton, composed by the women of Zimbabwe. Attendance was about 80 people. Thanks are due to Sue T and Margaret P for providing the refreshments after the service.
   3. The Social Walking Group continues to thrive, with members from Bishop Eton, Allerton URC, Elm Hall Drive Methodist, Mossley Hill Parish, All Hallows, and recently Holy Trinity Wavertree. Members who are available plan to take part in the Walk of Witness starting at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Holy Saturday.
   4. Future plans Following on from the December Farmers Market, it is planned to have a CTMH stall at the Farmers Market on March 21st, with the aim of publicising Easter services as well as community work carried out by the various churches.
   5. Churches Together in the Mersey Region Prayer initiative. Churches are invited to encourage their members to commit themselves to praying for unity for 20 minutes at 20.20 pm on the 20th of each month.

Finance (DM)

1. 1. Last of the invoices for 2019 are being collated so that the BE Final Accounts for 2019 can be produced. It is envisaged that there will be a deficit of around £15,000 for the year because of the extra cost of the building works incurred. (Post meeting - Accounts are now available click here)
   2. A costed site building plan for the future (possibly 2-5 years) is needed

Hospitality (CL)

1. 1. Refreshments provided for the World Day of Prayer in FMH
   2. Tablecloths needed for parish events rather than using paper ones.

CL’s request for the purchase of tablecloths was approved

Liaison with schools, university and youth (FS)

No report this month

Liturgy (SB)

AC explained that workload had resulted in SB resigning her role as lead for Liturgy. PCT recorded sincere thanks and appreciation to SB for her work in this area over the years.

SB supplied the following report

1. 1. Lent 2020 Leaflet - Together on the Road setting out the details of the events and services has been produced which includes key dates, taken from the CAFOD Lent daily calendar and is a prayer resource.  
   2. SVP Healing Mass Parish musicians will be supporting the SVP healing mass on 21 March. 
   3. Holy Week Services Representatives from all the Sunday teams will take part in Holy Week services and representatives of parish groups will participate in the services. 
   4. Thank yous SB recoded a big thank you to all our volunteers supporting and enhancing the liturgy in the parish, particularly those in "unseen" roles.  

Resettlement (AC)

1. 1. Archbishop Malcolm and two Nugent Trustees were delighted to meet the family in their home on 17 January
   2. AC chaired a CSS meeting at Nugent for all parish groups in January attended by Archbishop Malcolm to review the challenges of the sponsorship process and to raise the issue of encouraging more parishes to sponsor a family.
   3. A conference, hosted by BE, three other sponsoring parishes and Nugent will be held on 16 May themed `Know the Heart of a Stranger`. It is aimed at inspiring the other 153 parishes to welcome a family.  Fr Tim, AC and our Syrian father will speak at the conference and other BERG members will run workshops. It is supported by Archbishop Malcolm.
   4. The Gift Aid team in LACE is progressing BERG’s gift aid submission. The problem of the delay to recovering gift aid received will hopefully be resolved in March some two years after BERG first applied to LACE.
   5. In February, following a successful period of work experience, the father has been given p/time, short term employment, and will continue to study English on his non-work days
   6. The mother has become a volunteer at a charity shop,as work experience.

Safeguarding report for March 11th 2020 Core Group meeting (KR).

1. 1. The Safeguarding team is now 6 strong with a potential 3 more volunteers. At present there is little the team can do, due to the massive backlog in the Safeguarding department at LACE, due to major changes within the DBS procedure. We are currently waiting on about a dozen volunteers to receive notification of a successful DBS who have been in the system in some cases in excess of 6 months. Rechecks of current volunteers cannot as yet begin.
   2. The December audit identified a number of area needing more work:
   3. Higher profile of Safeguarding – posters will be put in F/More Hall and toilets and other public areas.
   4. Liaising with parish groups to make sure they are recruiting correctly and passing on safe practise to their volunteers.
   5. Making sure all groups are working with the correct number of volunteers holding the correct DBS.
   6. The Safeguarding team will try to write articles at regular intervals for BE Alive, and certainly when issues arise and it is felt specific education is required.

Links with St Marys (MZ)

1. 1. Dementia Friendly Afternoon Tea continues to be well received and has recently attracted a few attendees from Bishop Eton and is open to anyone who is living with Dementia or cares for someone with Dementia
   2. On the 19th January  as part of Christian Union week, a service was held at St Mary’s.
   3. Lenten Reflection: 9.30 Saturday 28th March ‘The God who speaks’ is open to both parishes and will be led by Fr Tim, all Readers & Eucharistic Ministers are encouraged to attend.

Action: TBu will advertise the Lenten reflection in the BE bulletin

4. 1. SVP Healing Mass and Reconciliation Services: St Mary’s Healing Mass will be on the 14th and Reconciliation Service on the 6th April .
   2. St Mary’s Lenten leaflet contains details of Masses/ Service/ Events across both Parishes and the Archdiocese. 
   3. New Initiative: Welcomers at Baptisms have been introduced

Action: CA will discuss with BA about whether 11:30 greeters would be willing to stay on to greet baptisms.

SYNOD(AF)

No report this month

BE Green 2020

1. 1. BE Green 2020 will be included in the bidding prayers at Sunday Mass
   2. Over 19000 Christmas cards were collected from parishioners. Two hundred with nativity scenes will be recycled as visitors’ cards, those with glitter were separated and the remaining cards were recycled
   3. More than 280 `Saint or Sinner surveys` were completed. Respondents rated themselves 6.5/10, on average, in their attempt to protect God’s creation.
   4. Weekly challenges will be issued throughout the year, responses to which will sometimes be measured using plastic tokens.
   5. 142 bags of household goods were taken to local charity shops supporting the work of Nugent, Hospice Africa and Jospice
   6. Walk to Church challenge – last Sunday of every month - varying responses, 149 walkers in January but only 90 in February during very stormy weather.
   7. During Lent the challenges will all be food related; responding to developing world farmer poverty by buying Fair Trade products, making Cafod Family Fast Day a reality in our own homes, in solidarity with the hungry, protecting the environment via reducing food wastage at home, supporting the work of the SVP by contributing food to the foodbank appeal
   8. Easter eggs at 10am Mass on Easter Sunday will be Fair Trade
   9. Parishioners using FMH have been challenged to use Fair Trade products
   10. There has been some success at reducing paper usage, with several Church meetings going paperless.
   11. The Youth J&P group is engaged, and hopes to be more closely involved in various green / wildlife initiatives in the Spring and Summer.

7.  Any Other Business

Friends of the Holy Land

CA noted that an email had been received from Friends of the Holy Land about the current situation in Bethlehem as a result of the Coronavirus. The request is to consider a collection to help support the town which is so hugely dependent on tourism.

CA suggested that Dave H would be the right person to write an article to support any appeal. 

Articles can go into BE Alive and bulletin, and on the website.

Action: KR to contact Dave H

Coronavirus

HM noted that, in addition to instructions that had been distributed to parish groups, there is supposed to be a moratorium on passing the plate around for the duration of the Coronavirus crisis.

8. Next meeting

 Wednesday 20^th May and 1^st July at 8pm

SAFE SPACES:

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England or the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

A telephone helpline and live chat is available 0300 303 1056   LiveChat/ Website safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

SOURCES OF HELP

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing

“The Hub of Hope is the world’s first of its kind mental health database bringing grassroots and national mental health services together in one place for the first time ever.

Using the location of web browser or mobile devices, the cloud-based web application allows anyone, anywhere to find the nearest source of support for any mental health issue, from depression and anxiety to PTSD and suicidal thoughts, as well as providing a ‘talk now’ button connecting users directly to the Samaritans.

It is currently the biggest and most comprehensive resource of its kind, with more than 1,200 validated support networks already registered on the web app and this number increasing each day. I

t has been endorsed by the Samaritans and 25 other national mental health support organisations and trusts. It already has a proven record of providing support to thousands as a vital stopgap for those on the five to six month NHS waiting list for mental health referrals.” 

NSPCC

NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ 0808 800 5000    

Kind to your mind

Developed for Merseyside and Cheshire, with  access to  online therapy courses developed by medical professionals.   https://kindtoyourmind.org/

A MESSAGE FROM THE SAFEGUARDING TEAM

Unfortunately, even during the lockdown, there are still safeguarding issues as individuals find new ways to target the vulnerable. We received an email from the Safeguarding department this week and would like to share it with as many of our parishioners as possible, and especially if you can share with neighbours, family and friends who do not receive the bulletin online.

“By now, sadly, you will have also seen a number of news reports that some groups that have been using videoconferencing, social media etc to support their work have sadly also experienced some quite nasty and distressing incidents. There have been a number of reports of Zoom calls being Zoombombed (an individual intrudes uninvited into a Zoom call) and distributing distressing material or comments, live streams being hacked, and people joining online groups with the intention of grooming children and young people.

CSAS have put together the attached guidance document in respect of using videoconferencing for ministry, which will hopefully support you and give you confidence in using technology during ministry safely. Please do use the guidance in considering any form of online ministry, and review your procedures in light of the guidance. 

Guidance_on_safeguarding_in_the_use_of_videoconferencing_for_ministry.pdf

I would also suggest that enclosed in this document is a section of ‘Useful links and resources for internet safety’ within this document. CSAS have hyperlinked a number of really informative charities that I use regularly to inform my practice, and I find really helpful as a parent. It may be helpful to share those links with your parish communities, as parents and carers try to guide children and young people through our accelerated use of an online world.

I would also draw your attention to sections 8 & 9 of the CSAS Creating a Safer Environment document which also has guidance on the use of technology, and photography and filming including live streaming church services.  https://www.csas.uk.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Creating-a-Safer-Environment-1.docx"

Any questions on either document should be sent to 

REPORTING ABUSE

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger. It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.

If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police. If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese; (the relevant Diocesan safeguarding office can be located using the interactive map on the links page of the CSAS website www.csas.uk.net - contact details will be shown when you click on the relevant area of the map). You can also contact CSAS by telephoning 0207 901 1920 or via email at  

#YouAreNotAlone

At home shouldn’t mean at risk, but sadly for many people the lockdown has meant that they are trapped in isolation with their abuser under a pressurised situation.

Over the weekend, the government launched its #YouAreNotAlone domestic abuse campaign to reassure victims of domestic abuse that there is still help for them during the Covid crisis.

If you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse. (Gov.uk, Covid19 and domestic abuse)  the  COVID-19 household isolation does not apply

Domestic abuse is a serious crime. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. 

KEY POINTS

• If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police - the police will continue to respond to emergency calls.
• If you call 999 from a mobile and cannot speak, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard (link embedded to scheme) and this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.
• National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247 or www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

SOURCES OF HELP

• Childline – 0800 1111
• Refuge – 0808 2000 247  (National Domestic Abuse Helpline)
• Women’s Aid
• Men’s Advice line - 0808 801 0327 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
• The Mankind Initiative - 01823 334244 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
• National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence helpline - 0800 999 5428
• Respect Phoneline offers confidential advice and support to help domestic violence perpetrators stop being violent and abusive to their partners or ex-partners. 0808 802 4040

(With Thanks to the Archdiocescan safeguarding officer Alex for providing us with the above information)

Our Lady of the Annunciation - Bishop Eton 

Bishop Eton Parish Council Meeting

Time:    Wednesday 8th January at 8:00pm

Venue: Hughes Room

Attendees

APOLOGIES

Vacancies                                    Representing: Parish Charities, Evangelisation, Young People 

Minutes

1. Introductory Prayer 

TBr opened the meeting with a prayer.

2. Welcome, apologies, minutes and matters arising

 Actions from the previous meeting will be dealt with under the appropriate agenda item

3. SYNOD 2020

There have been 7 or 8 full parishioner responses to be considered by the parish representatives. These have been summarised and sent in to the archdiocese. A decision on whether or not to publish the detail of the responses is outstanding.  

There are still opportunities for parishioners to submit responses, but this needs to be promoted. We are aware that St Mary's have published their responses, but need to confirm Fr Tim’s approval.

We are awaiting consideration of the substantial responses to Fr Michael's questionnaire.

There was discussion about the structure/content of the Archdiocese questionnaire in light of a disappointing response in terms of numbers of submitted responses (see above). 

Some felt the questions were far too closed, hence lack of interest and nil response from many parishioners

4. Review of Christmas programmes of services

In general, the services went very well (further details in Liturgy section). The key issue for the Parish Carol Service was around the clash of dates with SFX and St Edwards which impacted a number of younger members of the parish and their families.

BE Green: By only printing the words to the Carols that were not in the hymn books and referencing the numbers of those that are, we reduced the service booklets from 3 double sided A4 sheets to 1.

Thanks to those who played and sang at all services, and to CL and the Hospitality team for the refreshments provided.

Traditional Carol Service: It was noted that the collection taken at the service raised £186.

Action: DM to ask AS to transfer collection into parish accounts as required. (DM)

Suggestion for next year

Conferring with schools on dates: We should liaise with SFX, St Edward’s and St Julie’s’ to avoid if possible a clash in dates between the Parish Carol Service and the school’s events

 Action: Dates for Parish Carol Service to be sent to local schools (see below)  (FS/HM)

5. Dates for The Diary 2020

Need to book Allerton Brass early for any events due to their increasing popularity.

Garden Party: 12th July was identified as preferred date, subject to Allerton Brass being available. The fall-back date would be 28th June.  This year the Garden Party will be a Parish Celebration of Fr Tim’s 50^th Anniversary of Ordination (which will fall on 21^st July).

Christmas: is on a Friday in 2020. Therefore

• With You Always Nativity service will be on Sunday 20^th
• Reconciliation Service: 21^st December
• Parish Carol Service: 22^nd December, subject to Allerton Brass availability.
• Traditional Service: 19^th December

6. BE Green Project Update

Fr Tim launched the project with enthusiasm at Masses on 5 January. 

There will be two challenges each month

• Starting with the recycling of Christmas cards. Within the first week a huge number of cards has already been collected and they needed separating out to remove any with glitter as they cannot be recycled in the normal way. Youth J&P assisting
• The second initiative for January will be encouraging parishioners to take a bag of things to a charity shop, preferably to Nugent.
• The last Sunday of each month will be focused on encouraging people to walk to church.

A simple survey is to be published and handed out before mass on Sunday 12th January, with a brief pause in the service for people reflect on the Pope’s teaching and to complete after communion so the parishioners have a baseline against which we can measure progress.

Survey pulpit address, distribution and collection

• 8.30: AC
• 10.00 TBr
• 11.30 CA
• 18.00 KR

There was discussion of potential funding of the initiative by the parish in the context of the proposed tree planting initiative. KR noted that one of the mayors has a budget to cover green initiatives, so that we can apply for financial support. The Woodlands Trust also funds planting of trees, as well as being a great resource for advice on what types of trees are best to plant and where.

Action: KR has emailed information to Tim W (KR)

7. Updates from sub-groups

Administration (HM/KR)

The outstanding building work has stalled.  John B is waiting to speak to Fr Tim and Fr Andrew in respect of the approach to adopt. The PCT hoped that a phased approach to the work would remove the obstacles

Action: meet with Fr Tim to discuss approach for handling outstanding building works and best way forward. (AC/EM/DM/HM/TBu/JB)

Catechesis (TBr) 

a) The parish Nativity went very well.

b) 62 young people received the sacrament of reconciliation over the Christmas period.

c) There are 7 people actively engaged with the RCIA programme, although none is actually from within Bishop Eton parish.

Finance (DM)

a) DM provided an estimated year end position of parish finances for 2019, as not all December transactions have been fully reconciled as yet. Income has generally held steady over the last four years at around £150k but the impact of property costs means that, as in 2018, 2019 will show the parish running a deficit, expected to be no more than £15k.

b) There was discussion about how we can increase income, e.g. by using the bulletin to encourage parishioners to review their standing orders. Further discussion needed.

Hospitality (CL)

The primary concern from the hospitality side was that the parish celebration on Friday 10^th January is ready to go with confirmed volunteers to help set up and clean up.  Thanks to Sue T and hospitality team

Liaison with schools (FS)

a) The Youth Justice and Peace Group sang carols at Spring Oak old peoples’ home which was well received.

b) There will be some changes to the makeup of the group as some of the older members  go away to college/university. The chemistry between older and younger members of the group is excellent.

c) KR asked if any of the older members might consider becoming a representative for youth and parish charities on PCT.

Action: FS to approach potential candidates and give names, contacts to AC (FS)

Liturgy (SB)

a) The new Advent-Christmas leaflet set out the different events and services that took place and many parishioners took the opportunity to participate in one or more of these. The leaflet provides a good model for a Lent/Easter edition. Thanks to KR for putting the leaflet together.

b) The SVP Healing Mass and Parish Reconciliation service were well supported - both were very special and reflective occasions and most appreciated by parishioners - thank you to everyone involved. The SVP also passed on their thanks to the parish musicians who were able to support the service.

c) The SVP food collection on one of the Sundays also produced a good response from parishioners. We can add this initiative to the advent leaflet next year to ensure that it receives maximum publicity and build on this year's success.

d)The Blue Christmas service was not able to go ahead.

e) The WYA nativity, parish carols and traditional carols were popular once again and the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses were also well attended.

Thanks to TBr and the WYA team and all the readers and musicians who were involved in these services. Special mention for the efforts of the 10am music team who supported the WYA nativity, parish carol service, family mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day mass in addition to their usual Sunday duties. 

Thanks to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to facilitate and prepare for all these advent and Christmas services and events (and carry this work out week in, week out)  - in particular the sacristans, flower arranging team, laundry team, the cleaners, our deacons John Keeley and GJ, HM and KR in the office.  A truly monumental team effort! Thanks to MZ who devoted a lot of time to photographing many of the services as well as keeping the website updated with all the events.

Links with St Marys (MZ)

a) A Carol Service for HCPT was included in this year’s Advent offering

b) This year’s Parish Helpers thank you will take place on the 25th following a Parish Celebration Mass. It will take the form of an Italian evening. However, this clashes with our Project Zimbabwe fundraiser, and some people are disappointed they can’t attend both.  We have been asked to look at ways to prevent this from recurring.

c) This Sunday (or the Feast of the Epiphany) the church door was blessed with 20*C+M+B+20 "Christus mansionem benedicat" which means "Christ bless this house".  Copies of the blessings were available for parishioners to take home and do the same.  – Perhaps we could consider making the blessing available here next year.

d) As part of Christian Unity week St Mary’s will be hosting an Ecumenical Service on Sunday 19th Jan at 4pm.  All welcome to the service and to the refreshments afterwards.

e) The Exploring our Faith series will recommence this month, following the cancellation of the November & December sessions due to unforeseen circumstances

Ecumenism (JH) 

a) Farmer's Market : 

• 56 knitted angels were given at farmer's market stall.
• The cost of banners and 5000 cards giving information on the different church services times came to £290, Bishop Eton gave the maximum donation of £30.

b) Disappointingly nothing is planned for the week of Christian Unity this year.

c) Investigating links with Alpha Group taking over St Barnabas church on Allerton Rd later this year.

Resettlement (AC)

a) The first anniversary party went superbly well, with many parishioners and others attending, FMH was full.  Thanks to everyone who made the evening such a success

b) On 17^th January Archbishop Malcolm, as part of a day engaging with Nugent and the resettlement programme in the archdiocese, will visit our family in their home with AC and TBu and Nugent Trustees.

c) The long outstanding Gift Aid issue with LACE continues unresolved, and with little positive engagement from LACE.

d) AC gave background update on a family that are friends with our family who have just been resettled in Worthing, and who the family visited between Christmas and New Year.

e) Support is also being given to a Syrian PhD student who has acted as an interpreter for our family but has recently been made homeless.  A parishioner has offered her a home in the short term, other parishioners are helping her find work.

Synod 2020 (AF)    (see agenda item 3 above)

8.  Any Other Business

There was further discussion around the deployment of a webcam in the church which would support isolated parishioners who would wish to feel more part of the community and liturgy. It was agreed that issues around use of a webcam need to progress for the benefit of all the parish community.

Action: AC to procure updated costings from the supplier. (AC)

9. Next meeting

Wednesday 11  March at 8pm

Little Church and Children’s Liturgy:

A celebration of the Liturgy of the Word for children aged 3-11 years.

Parents may attend for the first 2/3 sessions to help their children settle into the group.

Any parent wishing to attend the group regularly, apart from if they are attending solely to assist their child who has a disability, must become a leader or a designated helper and apply for DBS clearance in accordance with the Archdiocesan Safeguarding procedures.

These procedures have been set by the Archdiocese for the protection and safety of the children.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PARISH THROUGH THE GIFT AID SCHEME

IF YOU PAY INCOME TAX JOIN NOW! LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PORCH.

• The parish can reclaim a refund on the tax you pay, on the donations you make. This refund makes a huge difference to the parish income each year!
• Did you know that you can make your contribution by standing order? If you would like more information please contact the Parish Office.
• If you already pay by standing order, have you considered increasing your donation recently?

Thank you for your continued support and generosity.