PCC Report July 2026

The latest PCC meeting was held on 21^st July.  We were a few members down due to holidays and illness.  The PCC send our best wishes to Tim for his recovery.

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The major items of business for the evening were decisions regarding a new hymn book and changes to the way in which vergers are employed.

Hymn Book

Following the decision made last year to replace our current hymn books, a core group met to investigate the alternatives and propose options.  Representatives from the congregation were involved in accessing these against the criteria previously identified by the PCC:

• Inclusive, modern language.

• Introducing new repertoire / contemporary worship songs.

• Honouring tradition.

• Making our hymns more accessible, for example to those who are visually impaired or for whom English is not their first language.

Two possible books were identified as a result of these meetings, with no clear preference.  Therefore the decision was referred back to the PCC with a table of pros and cons for both options against the criteria to guide our decision.

The PCC were asked to consider and rank which criteria were most important to us in the decision-making process.  Following this discussion a vote was taken.  There was a clear majority in favour of “Anglican Hymns Old and New”.  This offers a good combination of traditional hymns and many of those we sing from St Andrews Songs of Praise; also allowing us to broaden our repertoire and enjoy more inclusive language.

Net Zero: Boiler replacement project

Lucy updated us on the progress of the Boiler Replacement project.  A consultancy firm, Wooster Jeffs, has been appointed and they have carried out a site visit.  Their recommendations will be presented to the PCC in September.

Evening Prayer

The future of public Evening Prayer was discussed.  This service has a very small number of attendees, all of whom have been consulted regarding the proposed change.  As you will have seen in last week’s email from Lucy, the PCC approved the decision to end evening prayer on Zoom.  Morning prayer and the Friday evening Compline services remain unchanged.

Finances – more exciting than usual!

Lionel gave an update on finances, both current and future.  Following many discussions at PCC and finance team meetings over the last year or so, a decision has been taken to release a significant amount of money from the PCC reserves over the next 3 years to go towards mission projects.  This will bring our reserves in line with our finance policy – which is to retain savings corresponding to 1 years annual operating costs.  More excitingly it will provide a wonderful opportunity to fund a significant project or projects in our local community.  Following discussions in the recent “Growing for Good” group, a group will be formed to consider how we will discern the needs of our community and make recomendatios to the PCC as to how this money might best be spent for the building of of God's Kingdom.

MOT

The Misson Outreach Team updated on their recent exercise regarding communication with the congregation.  Paper surveys and emails have been received. 

The PCC thanked Rebecca and the Team for their recent presentation in the service.

Vergers

Upcoming changes in employment and tax law mean that our current model of self-employed vergers will longer be viable from the New Year.  With the input of our HR consulatant and Standing Commitee, alternative models were outlined to the PCC, these were discussed and a vote taken as to the preferred model going forward – for the vergers to be employed by the PCC.  Our vergers have been consulted and made aware of the possible alternatives being considered, and Lucy informed them of the decision following the meeting. This will be a significant change for the verger team and the PCC were mindful of the impact on them, Lucy reassured us that full support will be given as we move towards the new arrangements.

Viki Evans