February Parish Report
The solemn season of Lent is now with us, and you will notice that many of the ornaments in the Chancel and Sanctuary have been removed and replaced with more simple items, in line with the church’s teaching of self-denying during this period running up to Easter.
The services during Lent are simpler, with less singing and with more emphasis on hearing the Word of God in the Readings and Gospel narratives. Mothering Sunday is on March 11th when the children from “Pebbles” will be encouraged to bring the daffodils they have grown from the bulbs given to them last Harvest Celebrations, to decorate the church and to present their Mum’s with a gift of flowers,
The meeting to discuss the sale of the Church Hall took place on Thursday 8th February with a good crowd of people in the Community Centre Hall. This meeting called and hosted by Wenvoe Community Council to measure the public reaction of the Community Council purchasing the Church Hall. Jon, our Parish Priest was keen to impart the vision of St Mary’s looking forward to how the Church wishes to develop both the building and the congregation in the 21st century. The present hall was not seen as being part of that vision and was becoming a burden on the church as expenses are exceeding income. In addition, the hall need to be updated with improved kitchen and toilet facilities. By building a hall/meeting room facilities on to the North Side of the church that will enable the church to extend its role of hospitality both to the congregation and community. St Mary’s Church Council has worked very hard over the years to keep the church building in good order, with money raised from the Church Appeal and generous donations and grants, plus the income from our very successful “200” club. We are not state aided or supported by the Representative Body of the Church in Wales in any way, and we have to thank the generations that have gone before for what we enjoy today, and it is our responsibility to hand on to the generations yet to be born, a church building worthy of the 21st century.
An interesting debate was held about what the Community Council would do with the hall should they purchase it. This was the real purpose of the meeting to allow the council to gather a feel of the public opinion The Council will do doubt discuss their findings in due course. The alternative is to place the Hall on the open market, once we have the design of the church extension agreed by the many parties involved. Watch this space!
The Parochial Church Council met recently and was pleased to accept the Quinquenial Report from Mr Richard Dean, of Page and Dean Consulting Ltd. It is a very thorough report on the church fabric with items needing investigation. The council decided to appoint Richard as our Church Architect, which he has pleasure in accepting. The immediate work on
the drainage on the South Side of the church has been delayed as we have decided to include additional drainage on the East Wall which was not included in the Faculty. This will save us money in the long run, with the Archaeological surveys which have to be taken when any work is carried out in the churchyard. The churchyard is looking very pristine due to the work by Mike, the village gardener. He is keeping an eye out for any work that is needed during the months/seasons.
The Treasurer reported that our finances are in a healthy position, and recommended that we create a separate account, within the general account for money’s specifically given for the Building Fund. This would mean that money in the building fund would be “ring fenced” and could only be used for the repair and maintenance of the building fabric. The Christmas Collections from our three churches for the Ty Hafan Children’s hospice came to £1404.26 which is a wonderful result. Thank you to all who donated to this worthy cause. We have also received a donation of £103 from the Wenvoe Craft Workshop Christmas Fair for the Building Fund. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Tucker. The “200” club had also made a payment of £1800 in December, once again many thanks to all are shareholders, in helping to support the building work necessary to keep on top of repairs and maintenance.
Events coming up in March. Mothering Sunday on March 11th. Special Service on Palm Sunday 25th March. Agape supper in the Church hall March 29th. Good Friday March 30th March and Easter Day on April 1st. All are welcome to these services, keep an eye on the notice boards in the Church Porch.
Blessings to all our readers.
Parry Edwards