Parish Reports AGM April 2008

PASTORAL WORKERS REPORTS

PASTORAL CONTACT

Pastoral care and contact is maintained in many ways by members of St. Paul's to those who are ill or in distress. Contact is also maintained with those who are no longer able to worship with us on a regular basis.

There are many opportunities for church members to welcome occasional visitors, newcomers and those enquiring about baptism or marriage

The monthly Sunday evening service devoted to wholeness and healing continues. As Christians we are called to share Christ's ministry of healing that is 'wholeness' of body, mind and spirit, within a loving, praying community and it is during this peaceful and reflective service that both private and spoken prayers are offered for others and for ourselves.

A votive candle stand is now available to use at all services and a prayer board has been purchased for use. The prayer board will be placed in the vicinity of the side chapel and cards are available for prayer requests. A small group will regularly pray for the requests that have been made.

If you have any concerns or suggestions in relation to pastoral contact I will be pleased to receive them.

Yvonne Kerridge (Pastoral Worker)

DIANE THOMAS - PASTORAL WORKER AT ST. PAUL'S AND LAY CHAPLAIN AT STYAL PRISON

Since my licensing last September I have been kept busy both in the Parish and at the Prison. Firstly I have enjoyed assisting at Baptisms both with Thomas and Kathy. It has been good to get to know the families and indeed to be invited to the reception afterwards (perks of the job!) It has also been good to meet the families coming for a Thanksgiving Service especially those who are not in regular attendance at a Church as I realise it can be quite daunting and confusing especially finding the pages of the service book also I think it is reassuring for them when they come for baptism to recognise a familiar face.

Another of my roles is to send out invitations to Baptism families to come to the annual Toy / Gift Service in December and to arrange the party afterwards (as well as the surprise visit from Father Christmas - did everyone guess who the face was behind all that hair and beard?) again sending invitations out but this time for the Mothering Sunday service, ordering the daffodils and along with some kind volunteers making them into small bunches on the Saturday morning.

Also thanks to Catherine for her wonderful Simnel Cake and Margaret and Marta for the buns for the children.

J was keen for a creche to be started so along with the support of others this happened about two years ago, it has been very successful having 6 regular members and as the children have now grown some it has been given a new name 'The Ark' which at the moment is being very well run by David and Claire and the children enjoy showing off the work to the members of the congregation.

My work at Styal Prison - I have a very good working relationship with the Chaplaincy Team and Rev. Barry Baton has been very encouraging and supportive as has Thomas, it was good to have Barry preach at the end of Prisons Week to tell the congregation of the work and support the Chaplaincy gives to the women. After discussing with Barry ways I could become more involved he suggested me leading a short worship service on the first night centre (this is where the women stay after first arriving at prison before moving on to various houses or the wing). I prayed and thought about what I could offer and decided to borrow some of the old Mothers' Union books that are not used any more from church in order to involve the women rather than myself just leading the service and I am pleased to say that the first one I held was attended by two young women, a third was going to come but couldn't make it at the last minute - but hey, 'where two or three are gathered'. The Mothers' Union heard about me using the old service books and very kindly donated some of the newer version books which I have to say are much more appealing and the next service I held I am pleased to say was attended by six women.

At the moment I am arranging to hold a Thanksgiving Service for three new mums and babies on the Mother and Baby Unit, 1 am hoping also the other mums will join in and to make it a proper celebration we are hoping to have a cake afterwards. The next step will be to discuss with Barry about Baptism preparation as the mums have expressed a desire to have their babies baptised.

I have enjoyed attending training days learning about various issues I didn't know about and one subject I found very interesting was mental health issues which apparently the majority of the prison population suffers from.

I have regular contact with many women but have been supporting two women who I have seen make considerable progress over the last few months. I feel very humbled and blessed to serve God in this way and the words on one of the cards I have received makes it all so worthwhile - 'You are a good shepherd who has come to me'. I thank God for guiding me in this direction enabling me to reach out and to give hope to the many young and older women finding themselves in prison and I am very much looking forward to inviting Thomas along to see the work that a Prison Chaplain carries out.

With love in Christ.

Diane Thomas

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand'

Wanted - A Revolution

Well, if not a revolution then at least a change of attitude regarding how we give financially towards the annual upkeep of our church.

2007 was the first full accounting year since the new Giving Initiative took place around Easter 2006. From an assessment of the promises made at that time it was possible to estimate a potential increase of £11,149 (+47%) to £34,884 which would have seen our finances in a much better state than they appear in the Annual Accounts.

Based upon the tax efficient income promised, the potential Gift Aid refund for last year should have been £8,585. The actual refund was £7,937 some £648 less than we expected. Two reasons for this was partly due to some members of the Planned Giving Scheme not contributed weekly and others have not kept the promises made at the Giving Initiative.

I appeal to ALL members of St. Paul's regardless of positions they may hold, to consider how they can help rectify some of the problems identified above. Unless there is a genuine re-think about individual giving we will probably not have a church at which to gather in, in the not too distant future! Yes - we do need a (financial) revolution NOW! Planned Giving envelopes, bank Standing Order Forms and Gift Aid Declarations are available from me on (most) Sundays throughout the year. Please pray very hard about how our income problems can be resolved. New sets of Planned Giving envelopes for 2008- 2009 will be distributed during June.

Thanks to Churchwardens, Sidesmen and Ladies who continue to collect and record Planned Giving envelopes each week.

I hope to see you all at the Sidemens' Supper on 15"' May.

Eddie Tullock (Stewardship Officer)

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

There were three meetings during 2007 and between us we managed to represent St. Paul's at each of them.

On 1st February we met at St. George's, Altrincham when the guest speaker was Martin Smith, the Diocesan Christian Giving Advisor. Most of the congregation will recall Martin's visit to us in 2006. We were given an updated version of that.

Canon John Sutton (Rural Dean) told us that Reverend Libby Lane was to become Vicar of St. Peter's Hale and St. Elizabeth's Ashley in April and Sue Talbot to be Associate Priest at St. Mary's Bowdon. Kathy Kirby, Ella Sharpies and Janet Parker were due to be ordained at Chester on 1st July.

Dr John Mason was the guest speaker at the meeting held at St. Mark's Dunham Massey on 13th June. He began his talk with a breakdown of his business career before becoming the Diocesan Secretary. There then followed a detailed analysis of the work done at Church House and he expressed some thoughts of how the workings of the Diocese might be modernised. Canon Sutton informed us that Reverend Gerry Foster is now Priest in Charge at Sale West Community Church and Reverend Edmond Betts is now in charge of St. John the Evangelist Altrincham this is in addition to St. George's Aitrincham.

At the third meeting on 9th October at St. Francis' Sale Moor the speaker was Janice Mason who spoke about the work of the Committee for Social Responsibility.

CSR stood for:- 1. Integral part of God's love for the world. 2. Faith in Action. 3. Engaging with people's everyday lives.

4. Pastoral Prophetic Priesting.

Canon Sutton told us that Bishop Nigel Stock was to be installed as the Bishop of Bury St. Edmunds on 20th November. At the time of writing we eagerly await the announcement of who will be the next Bishop of Stockport.

Michael Swindley, Harry Thomas, Eddie Tullock

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN SALE - ANNUAL REPORT

We have had a few changes to the group this year. At St. Joseph's Msg. Peter Walton retired in the summer and Fr. Paul Lomas moved to Cheadle but we welcomed their new priest, Fr. Stephen Woolley to our group. We also welcomed Rev. Janet Parker who is now Curate at St. Anne's and we were pleased to welcome back one of our previous members, Rev. Kathy Kirby who is now Curate at St. Paul's.

Rev. Malcolm Lorimer and the members of the Avenue Methodist have joined our group. We have also extended an invitation to all churches on the west side of Sale to join us.

We have held our usual quarterly services at each others churches and our special outdoor services: on Good Friday at the junction of Hereford Street and School Road; at Pentecost in Worthington Park; both were well attended despite the awful weather at Pentecost.

A special social event was organised by Trinity Methodist to which members of all the churches were invited to their Harvest Supper and entertainment was provided by two expert ballroom dancers. Unfortunately this clashed with our Harvest Supper at St. Paul's but all the tickets were sold and the event was very much enjoyed.

We again booked the Robert Bolt Theatre to provide a free concert of 'Carols in the Community'. The Trafford Youth Wind Band accompanied us and then played a special Christmas medley at the end. The concert once again drew a large audience and the retiring collection of £300 was shared between Francis House and Bible Lands.

Norma Tullock

PARISH Music

The choir have continued to contribute to Sunday worship at St Paul's and a slightly smaller number of weddings and funerals. We have also been out and about, singing at a wedding in Hale and providing the choir on the Town Hall steps on Remembrance Sunday.

Joshua Hales joined us in Lent as our fourth organ scholar from Chefhams as Geoffrey Woollatt moved to Manchester Cathedral. Their playing has enhanced a number of services and enabled the choir to extend their repertoire beyond what is usually possible. We particularly enjoyed singing the choral evensong to mark Kathy's first Sunday with us last July. Our splendid organ continues to be used for tuition on the Diocesan Organists' Training Scheme.

Our links with the RSCM have continued. We hosted an area choral workshop last Spring and took a small group to the Diocesan Festival at Chester Cathedral in November. It has also been good to welcome some new members to the alto and bass section.

In December we had another successful morning carol singing in Tesco in aid of St Anne's Hospice and welcomed friends to augment the choir for our own Christmas services.

Anne Alien

CHILDREN'S SOCIETY

The Christingle Service on Christmas Eve proved to be very popular, there were shepherds, angels, Mary's and Joseph's galore and everyone had a wonderful time. The children placed the figures in the Crib and all went away happily with a Christingle, many without the sweets which were eaten before the end of the Service. We sent a total of £232.44 to the Children's Society for which we have received their grateful thanks.

The box opening took place in January and we have welcomed two new box holders. A merry evening was had by all who took part in the counting and the total sent to the Children's Society was £860.55 which was slightly up on last year. Many thanks to all who hold a box and to those who helped with the counting.

If you know of anybody who would like to have a new box, please let me know. Also if anybody would like to Gift Aid their contributions, I can let you have a form as this will give the Children's Society an extra 28% for their funds.

Sheila Clarke

MEN'S SOCIETY REPORT

The membership stands at 10 and the committee were re-elected at the AGM in January.

The Society contributed £400 to the Restoration Fund and a further £ 100 for use of the Church to stage Youth in Concert X. This was the main event of the year and was attended by the Mayor ofTraffbrd. About 100 young persons formed the band and choir.

In addition to the concert 9 meetings were held including the Annual Bowls Match.

A highlight of the season was the return visit to Gorton Monastery to see the completed restoration work. A visit to David Alien's farm was also well attended and enjoyed by all.

Once again the Men's Society provided and erected the Christmas tree in Church.

Any new members will be most welcome on the last Thursday of the month at 8pm in the Hall.

Rodney Hadwen

ST. PAUL'S LADIES TUESDAY GROUP

The Tuesday Group is a ladies group of 16 members who meet in the Church Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8pm.

We hold our AGM in February when we elect a committee of 5 members to run the Group. Our Annual Subscription is £5 and £1 per month to off-set the cost of Speakers.

Once again we have had a varied and interesting year. An insight on what it is like to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to being a TV Extra. We have our own Antiques Roadshow and some fun with headlines from a 1930's newspaper and also a film on the history of Walkden Gardens. We have a meeting when we enjoy a chat and light refreshments.

Our trip out in June was a behind the scenes tour of the Trafford Centre. We celebrate Christmas with a Bring and Share Supper hosted by one of our members and our Annual Dinner was once again held at the Aspire Restaurant. We staff the Saturday Coffee Morning once a month.

We welcome ladies of the Church to join you are sure of a warm and friendly welcome.

Vera Barlow - Leader

MOTHERS' UNION

February was our AGM when we appointed officers (2 joint Leaders) and discussed our programme for the year. In March we had a most interesting talk by a lady who has worked at Styal Mil) as a Guide. She told of the many changes made over the years to make fresh interest for visitors.

April - we had invited Deborah to do an Easter Meditation for us. Imagine our surprise when we arrived to find a table set for a meal, with several strange items ..... we were to re-enact a Passover Meal - it was wonderful.

For our May meeting we invited Joyce Alien, who records newspaper items for the deaf, for Henshalls. A very dedicated lady. June as usual brings us to our Deanery Festival when Branches get together for a Service. Each Branch proudly bringing their Banner. In July we invited our Prayer Partner Branch, St. John's High Legh, when he had a short service of Mid-day Prayers followed by a light lunch. The day was glorious, hot and sunny, a very pleasant event.

For our September meeting we invited Sue Mattinson who is the Head of Wyncourt Nursing Home. Gave us all something to think about.

In October I was away but heard that our friend Margaret Winstanley gave a most interesting and enlightening talk about her family connections in Sale. November brought us close to Advent. Norma led us in a very thoughtful reflection on finding Peace with God. December, of course, was our usual Afternoon Christmas Tea, A good year all round.

Edna Woodhead

THE BADMINTON CLUB

The Badminton Club have met on most Wednesdays throughout the year, but there have been occasions when so few members have turned up that it has not been possible to play. Attempts have been made to try and recruit more members.

One of our regular players, Richard Lacock left towards the end of the year after having retired from work and going to live in Oswestry with his wife Carol. We presented Richard with a gift token and he in turn presented us with some home brewed wine for our Christmas Party.

The Club continues to maintain the lights in the hall and two light fittings were replaced, paid for by the Club.

Wood panelling was started outside the kitchen, again financed by the Club.

Brian Walker

4™ SALE CENTRAL (ST. PAUL'S) GUIDES

January 2007 saw the start of a very busy year for the Guides of 4th Sale Central (St Paul's.) The Unit has maintained a steady number of Guides and over the year we have said farewell to 2 girls, one moved on to Rangers and the other has chosen to become a Leader with a local Beaver Scout Colony and we wish them all the best in their future Guiding / Scouting involvements. We only lost one other Guide who chose to leave, making us a strong and popular unit in the Division. The Unit also gained a new Unit Helper, Joan Lupton who has kindly offered her support and help when work restrictions prevent Nicky or Kath attending meetings.

Within our meetings we have gained several badges including Right to. .be me, Right to..be happy and Right to..work together.

February saw our annual visit to Sale Scout and Guide Gang Show at Altrincham Garrick Theatre, one of our Guides was in the show and a fantastic performance was put on.

In May we went camping in Tatton Park with 3rd Ashton on Mersey North Guides, with a theme of "World Cups." It was a very wet camp, which included hail at one point which no one can ever remember camping in hail before! Some girls were very lucky to witness the animals drinking from the mere at dusk which made the camp very special, we also went to visit the farm at Tatton and saw a baby foal.

July saw the Guides camping again in mud, at Ashley this time! We went away as a district with Brownies staying in the Brownie House and Guides camping in the somewhat muddy field making Wellies an essential fashion item! The theme for the weekend was "Disney" with a fun day making Minnie Mouse ears, Pocahontas jewellery, Finding Nemo aquariums and having fun on the bouncy castle (Guide leaders included) and a visit from Thomas too!

In September Nicky became the Guide Advisor for the County and Alice, one of our Young Leaders, went on a County selection weekend for the chance to represent GirlGuidingNorthWest at an international camp. Alice was then selected to represent County at a Region event and in December found out that she was selected to go to a Jamboree in Iceland in July 2008. We also started work as a Unit on our "look at me" project in association with Dove, tackling any self esteem issues that we may have.

October saw the Unit go to the MEN Arena along with 30,000 other Guides to watch the "Big Gig" which is a concert only open to Guides, we screamed along to Mcfly, danced along to The Hoosiers, Calvin Harris, Natasha Bedingfield, Sophie Ellis Bexter, Robyn and Kate Nash, and came home tired, exhausted and very excited!

In November we came 2nd in the Division Swimming Gala, which was a great team effort as we only had 5 members of the team due to illness and the other competing Units had 8. We also represented Girlguiding Sale Division at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday and our other Young Leader, Jade, was given the honour of carrying the Division Standard.

December saw the start of our fundraising to get Alice on her trip to Iceland and we hosted the District Carol Concert in the church. We also took a well deserved trip into Manchester and went on the Big Wheel followed by a trip round the German Market to finish off 2007 in style!

Nicky, Kath

UKS (ST. PAUL'S FPP)

Although no longer known as St. Paul's Foster Parent Plan we are this year celebrating our 25 years of PLAN which actually began during the ministry of Rev. John Bassett and was given full approval by the PCC at the time.

We started off originally supporting 2 children - Abu from Uganda and Noy from Thailand, both of whom we saw through to maturity at 18 years of age. We then supported Thereza again from Uganda, Musyimi from El Salvador and Geetha from India. Sadly Geetha's family moved on from the area PLAN supported so we took on firstly Sooraya, then Lazamama. As it is common place in India for families to move around the country to seek work, unfortunately we couldn't to support these children due to the movement of their families.

Malawi was our next destination where we began to support Yesina-Beatrice. Musyimi reached maturity as did Thereza, so now we support Refrendum again from El Salvador and Scovia from Uganda.

When we started out 25 years ago we had 35 supporters, now we are down to 34 with 17 original supporters. We feel our support has been worthwhile during the last quarter of a century, in that we have been fortunate enough to help just a handful of people directly who are in the greatest need.

Sylvia Brooks

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