ROYSTON PARISH CHURCH - PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)
Synopsis of the meeting of the PCC held in Royston Parish Church, held on Wednesday 15 January 2025
There were 18 present, the meeting opened with prayer and two apologies were received.
The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously agreed.
Under matters arising it was noted that sadly one person has left the church as a result of the PCC’s decision regarding the Prayers of Love & Faith. However, one person has joined the church as a result of the PCC’s resolution.
Development of the vestry is still under consideration and advice is needed from the fire brigade.
The lent course is in hand but due to the availability of leaders is only going to take place once a week.
Since the last meeting the standing committee had taken the following decisions: Expenditure of £494 to reset the clock and get it running to time again, vents should be fitted to the plinth on which the AV mixing system sits, at a cost of £320, to resolve a damp problem and the proceeds of a collection taken after a thanksgiving service to be forwarded to the charity requested.
The safeguarding procedures of the new “Treble Makers” group are in order.
The treasurer reported that the new Parish Share figure of £83,905 had been queried and should not increase by quite so much in future years. We will also receive credit once the new Curate moves into the house provided by the church.
It was reported for the benefit of those volunteers dealing in cash that the town’s new banking hub is working well and remains open until 5.00pm. It is hoped that a member of staff would be invited to church to speak about the hub’s services.
The Fabric Committee reported that there was still one day’s work left dealing with the roof alarm and we would not pay the invoice until completion.
The Committee requested approval for expenditure of £495 + VAT for a CO2 calibration system.
There should be a resultant cost saving in the long term. The PCC duly approved this request.
Approval of £400 + VAT expenditure was requested to facilitate remote operation of the heating system. This was also approved.
It was reported that two of the CCTV cameras had failed despite having only been installed for two months.
A suitable company had been found to deal with the inspection of the hoist for the bell tower trap door at a cost of £90 + VAT. This expenditure was duly approved.
It was agreed that the issue of pigeon deterrents / fire gel / drain clearance should be dealt with by the Standing Committee.
The Council had unfortunately refused to deal with the trimming back of encroaching yew trees this will be followed up.
There were recurrent faults with the fire alarm system, mostly due to battery failure. The current contract had expired, so the Committee were seeking approval for annual maintenance expenditure of £450 + VAT per annum. This was duly approved.
The project to install swift boxes is proving difficult but still being considered!
Consideration to prioritising expenditure was discussed and the Finance Committee will manage the ‘Wish List’ after the committees have been reviewed.
Steven raised the issue of cars in the churchyard, purely as a matter to be kept in mind for the future.
Duncan urged support for the forthcoming quiz evening. Reported that the mission committee budget would be set at the 3rd February meeting. As the Parish Magazine would not continue in its current format, in future one mission would be publicised every month, both in the prayer diary and on the notice board. On 28th March, Mercy Ships will be having an evening event at the church to talk about their work.
Yvonne had submitted a report on Tots in Church which was gratefully noted by the PCC.
The curate’s accommodation is being attended to.
The fire alarm system sounds when a battery is low and this could cause some confusion, some additional training is in hand.
The issue of streaming certain services at church was considered and will receive further consideration in due course.
The practice of charitable collections at funerals had proved a little difficult at times, the collecting baskets or whatever is used need to be clearly labeled.
The possibility of showing films at church is pending for the moment.
The fees for visiting ministers and organists were discussed and agreed.
The church’s phone and computer systems need updating, some costs are involved but the PCC saw this as necessary expenditure
The Deanery meeting in November had covered the “Alban Way” and safeguarding.
The PCC secretary is due to stand down soon but a volunteer has been found to take over this role.
The meeting closed with grace.
A Further informal meeting was held a few weeks later to discuss the church’s future development and ways of improving the facilities available to our growing fellowship. No further details are available, this was just an informal conversation.

ROYSTON PARISH CHURCH - PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)                                 

Synopsis  of the meeting of the PCC held in Royston Parish Church, Monday  25 November 2024  

There were 15 members present and 3 members of the church’s leadership team, 18 in total, there were 5 apologies.

The meeting opened with prayer in the form of the hymn “Speak, O Lord, as we come to you”.

The first item which formed the main part of the meeting was the consideration of the new Prayers of Love & Faith which are prayers available to be used in churches  acknowledging all that is good, holy and faithful in same-sex relationships.

A pastoral letter had been sent to church members asking for their views, these had now been received and studied by the clergy and leadership team. A lengthy discussion followed, it is clear that the church has diverse views amongst its members which was welcomed. The following proposal was adopted:

In light of the national Church of England guidance regarding the Prayers of Love and Faith and from the congregation’s responses, the PCC has passed the following resolution:

The PCC and the incumbent, the Revd Dr Steven Sivyer, authorises the prayers and forms of services that are offered by the Prayers of Love and Faith,.  The PCC and the incumbent also resolve to opt into the provision of standalone services should they become authorised for use within the Church of England.  However, should Prayers of Love and Faith be used within a regular service, then this will only take place after the inclusion of the prayers have been clearly advertised.  

The next item was Safeguarding, reference was made to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation but otherwise there was noting to report.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and under  matters arising the PCC were notified that the fire awareness meeting had taken place  and there was an additional volunteer to be added added to the list of sides-people  which was agreed.

 

7.Finance 

1)      The Parish Share for 2025 would be just under £84,000, which represented an increase of 4%.

2)      Although increase of employers’ NI contributions had been in the news, we were not affected, because we are regarded as a “small employer”.

3)      A volunteer has  kindly agreed to lead on the church’s grant applications in future. The PCC expressed their gratitude for this.

 

8.Fabric

The PCC has pleased to hear that CCTV was in good order. A quotation had been received of £8.5k for cleaning the church floor. The PCC agreed to postpone decision for a future occasion.

The insurance claim relating to the unauthorised removal of the safes is on going but is in hand.

The stone masons were currently working on the tower.

Consideration is being given to putting the room above the vestry back into use, advice on fire safety etc. is needed first.

 

9.Committees

Possible activities marking the anniversary of the King James Bible next year were briefly discussed.

The serving of alcohol at church social functions was considered, it was decided not to make any changes at the present.

It was noted that the quiz will be held on 8th February 2025.

More volunteers with an interest in environmental matters are needed to assist with next year’s Lent course.

 

10. Prince Andrew’s Close 

Matters affecting the tenancy of the house in Prince Andrews Close were discussed.

 

11.Review of Fees

Various fees relating to weddings (eg organist and choir fees) were considered and some were increased.

 

12.Review of Pay

The rates of pay of certain lay employees of the church were considered.

 

Meeting closed with Grace at 10.25pm.