Annual Reports - 2007

Churchwarden's report

Pastoral

What a year this has been, so many changes have taken place all which have been for the good of St Mary's.

First let me express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to Eileen, Keith, Helen and Susan the ministry team ,that supported us un worship during the interregnum, their devotion and guidance helped us to continue on our spiritual journey, also a big thank you to the congregation for their loyal support during that time.

In December on the feast of St Nicholas we welcomed Wilma our new Priest in Charge what a lovely service that was, we not only gained a Priest but a musician along, with her many skills and talents we pray that her journey with us would be and long and happy one.

Music

Sadly we lost our two organists Keith and Stuart, who for many years have contributed to the musical heritage of St. Mary’s, playing for all our services we thank them for their wonderful contributions and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

Sounds Alive the gospel group has now joined the robed choir and continues to enjoy singing with the help of our Priest who has kindly stepped in to lead both choirs in practice.

The congregation remains vibrant and the numbers are increasing, and its good to see some new faces, we welcome them and pray that they enjoy worshiping with us.

Building

Now that all the works have been completed, the rooms are being used on a regular basis, we have had a few weddings, birthday parties, but they are mostly used by the community. There are classes for numeracy and literacy sponsored by Wandsworth adult education, also referrals from the Job centre helping clients to learn computer skills and preparing CV’s. The good news on this aspect is that three clients were able to secure permanent jobs. Other users are various groups doing yoga, Pilates and other recreational exercises, now that the music room is available we have a few more organizations interested in using our facilities. The space has given us the opportunity as a church to meet the community as part of our outreach programme.

Garden

Thanks to Keith Bishop we now have a beautiful front garden and the respite garden is nearing completion a big thank you to Keith and all his helpers for the hard work in creating such a beautiful space. groups doing yoga, Pilates and other recreational exercises, now that the music room is available we have a few more organizations interested in using our facilities. The space has given us the opportunity as a church to meet the community as part of our outreach programme.

The Garden

Thanks to Keith Bishop we now have a beautiful front garden and the respite garden is nearing completion a big thank you to Keith and all his helpers for the hard work in creating such a beautiful space.

Thank You

Now its time to say thanks to all who continue to work and give of their tine unselfishly behind the scenes to ensure that the services run smoothly.

Again, many thanks.

Daphne Clarke

Fabric and Ornaments

This is my fourth report during this present term of office. Whilst the major part of this report will be concerned with matter appertaining to fabric and ornaments I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank you all for your support during 2006; a year when the interregnum process dominated our lives together. Happily this culminated with Wilma’s licensing service on 6 December. It was heartening to see so many of you supporting our new incumbent. Hopefully you have now had an opportunity to get to know Wilma better and appreciate why we chose her from an otherwise strong field of applicants.

I reported last year that our building is in the best state of health for many years now that the building project had been (almost) completed. Whilst the builders have not been around they were contractually required to come back after 12months and make good any defects. I am delighted to say that at that time there were only small matters to attend to, and we have now completed the building contracts.

The completion of the works has given us a wonderful resource in which to push forward our vision of St. Mary’s Church being a centrepiece of community life, an opportunity embraced by the community which sees the narthex in use nearly every day. That in itself has given us challenges in how we use the building for ‘church’ activities whilst benefiting from the income that these lettings generate. We have a wonderful lettings committee who grapple with these conflicting demands.

One unforeseen consequence of completing the building works was that our insurers re-evaluated our policies and have required us to complete electrical tests on the older parts of the electrical systems (mostly those at the chancel end of the church). These tests will be undertaken in April 2007. Given the age of the wiring it is quite likely that we will have to undertake substantial repairs to the circuitry in this area. This will inevitably cause disruption and will be a drain on our fragile finances in 2007.

Unfortunately during 2006 we did have a few windows broken, which we are in the process of having repaired. We have also continued with more mundane matters such as unblocking toilets, drains and rainwater pipes, changing light bulbs, and a seemingly endless list of minor jobs that always seem to need doing. In this the PCC has been greatly assisted by the dedicated members of the Building and Finance Committee who have, as previously, risen to the challenges presented by our historic structure. I personally am indebted to Keith Bishop and Shaun who are also willing to tackle the more unsavoury or nerve racking jobs in good humour and high spirits, along with their other more obvious talents.

See the Building and Finance Committee report here for more detail on their activities.

One area where we have made a major impact this year has been the ‘garden’. Having been used as a builder’s compound on and off for many years it was difficult to imagine it had ever been or could become a garden again. However we are fortunate in having the boundless enthusiasm and dedication of Keith Bishop who has obtained grant monies to support the restoration, overseen applications for various permissions, chased builders and volunteers alike and has brought this project almost to completion. (Hopefully by the time of the APCM we will have the final permissions in place and the works can be completed). A wonderful transformation has taken place and I am sure we all look forward to the summer when we can enjoy our new space.

Unfortunately in October we became aware that there was a minor leak to the overflow of the water tank above the music room. This had the unexpected consequence that water came in through the roof, and created a substantial amount of damage to the ceiling, wall, choir robe cupboards and the timber floor. This put the room out of action or several months whilst we negotiated with builders and our insurers. We must give a big thank you to Keith Mitchell for saving the sheet music and generally putting-up with the disruption at the same time as taking on all the choir master duties following Stuart Payne’s departure. The repair works were undertaken in March 2007 and the room is looking the best it has been for many years. As I write we are awaiting completion of the works with the replacement of the roof coverings. It is interesting to reflect that the repair to the overflow pipe cost less than £15, whilst the repair to the room is almost £15000, a true indication of why we need to keep vigilant and on top of all those small jobs.

There has been little change in the state of the ornaments. One of our Ciboria remains broken and we are still to investigate its repair. Following a donation from the Diocese the PCC purchased the electronic organ we have been hiring since the pipe organ ceased working following the fire. The PCC has also purchased two photocopiers, one large one for the parish office / bulk use, and one small one for individual one offs as replacements for our broken small copier and the leased copy printer.

Finally, but by no means least, a thank-you to you all, for your continued support

Martin Gray

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Parochial Church Council (PCC) report

Members of the PCC for 2006/2007 were:

• Olu Agbalaya
• Rose Harley(Deanery Synod)
• Keith Bishop
• Joe Kpobie
• Graeme Calf
• Susanne Mitchell
• Daphne Clarke (Churchwarden)
• Nigel Collier
• Cheryl Payne
• Sarah Collier (PCC Secretary)
• Helen Cowen
• Wilma Roest (Chair)
• Anzo Francis (Treasurer)
• Eileen Serbutt
• Karen Gray
• Tatiana Stevenson
• Martin Gray (Churchwarden)
• Ruth Williams (Deanery Synod)
• Victoria Gregory (Deanery Synod)
• Hetta Norman
• Stuart Payne

The PCC met 8 times with Martin Gray as Chair for 5 meeting and Wilma Roest, our new Priest-in-Charge, taking over in December for the next 3 meetings. Earlier in the year, the PCC was much involved in the preparation of the Parish Profile and the advertisement for the Priest-in-Charge. Discussion with the Diocese over the new vicarage has continued with a small group from the PCC working with the Diocesan Surveyor over the building and the design.

The PCC has continued to discuss matters of general concern and importance in the parish and as always, our discussions have been varied and interesting. The Development Project has taken less time this year, but we have been involved in the progress of the Respite Garden. Our discussions at meetings have ranged from fundraising and accounts, to events in the church, the Balham Carnival, lettings, stewardship, work with the community and lately, getting to know Wilma and talk of our mutual expectations.

In September, Cheryl and Stuart Payne left the parish – and the PCC – and we miss their commitment and contributions.

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.45 pm in the church. We would welcome new members so if you are interested in joining the PCC and getting more involved in the workings of St Mary’s, please speak to a member of the ministry team or the PCC. We have some fun too!

Sarah Collier (PCC Secretary)

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Mission Committee Report

This years Committee has worked hard on keeping in touch with other groups and has received regular reports from Churches Together in Balham Tooting, Balham Festival Committee, Balham and Tooting Action Group (BATCA) and The Deanery Synod. Communication is still not perfect but we are getting there.

 The amounts collected in the Box on the High Road became embarrassing so apart from Christian Aid and Crisis collections it has been rested. Lent lunches after the 10.30 service and alongside the Lent discussions raised a reasonable amount for the Bishop’s Lent appeal. The Open House weekend (September) saw a surprising number of visitors and a real opportunity to showcase the building, which is beginning to be the community resource envisioned. Other ways of supporting a variety of causes have been considered and the ‘alternative Harvest’ got people thinking and a real coming together of worship, concern and practical action.

The Posada during Advent was well received by those taking part so we’d hope to involve more people next time. With Wilma’s enthusiastic response to the suggestion of a newsletter the delivery system is about to be tried and tested. The bicentenary of the Act of Parliament abolishing the slave trade has had several events publicised in the pew sheet and we hope to get a small group of those most interested to suggest ways we might mark this event as a parish before the end of 2007.

Questions such as should we give a percentage of the church’s income to other charities and do we want to register as a Fairtrade Parish are on the agenda for the new committee.

Susanne Mitchell

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Building & Finance Committee Report

This has been my 3rd year as chairperson. I would like to start by thanking the committee members who have been very supportive and active throughout the last year. Thanks to Nigel Collier, Keith Bishop, Anzo Francis (Treasurer), Joe Kpobie, Victoria Gregory, and Martin Gray (co-opted as Churchwarden).

The purpose of the committee is to oversee the financial and physical resources of the Church by:

1. Reviewing budgets, monitoring income and expenditure.
2. To review the Christian Stewardship through planned giving, deeds of covenant & gift aid.
3. Attending to matters relating to the church fabrics, equipment and building.

This has been another busy year at St Mary’s with its usual ups and downs.

Building

Our main focus has been on the 5 year action plan, which sets out targets of maintenance and repairs needed in the church. The action plan was produced in response to the recommendations in the Quinquennial Report (5 yearly church inspection) November 03 and the Access (disability) Audit May 04.

The Building maintenance plan is on target. We have undertaken the following:

• Ongoing repairs inside and out.
• Removing plant growth around the church walls, removing one dangerous tree and pruning of the remainder.
• Complete the painting of the staircase near the main entrance.
• Painting the main front doors of the Church.

We continue to review insurance and maintenance contracts for boiler, heating, sound system, fire extinguishers etc.

We have had regular working parties to maintain and clean the inside and out of the Church. Thanks to everyone who has helped … you know who you are.

The development project work was handed over to the B&F committee last year and we still need to plan completion of the balcony balustrades, the back staircase, repair and decoration of the Chancel and the access to the garden from the Narthex. Around £18,000 is needed alone for the balcony balustrade and although there are some funds in the project, fund raising will need to be done to go forward with this work.

On the down side we have had to deal with:

1. A variety of broken windows in the music room, in the Narthex toilets and in the staircases, some which was due to vandalism.
2. An attempted break in.
3. Water leaks from the flat roof over the staircase.
4. The gas heater in the music room being condemned and turned off.
5. A major leak from the water tank above the music room, in October, which caused extensive damage to the roof, ceiling, floor, walls and choir robes. An insurance claim was made and the builders called in to do the repairs in March 07.

Garden

Keith Bishop and his crew continue to work hard on our garden, as a Respite Garden for use by the community. Faculty and Council planning have been applied for. The door opening into the garden from the toilet block is now part of these plans. Funding for this project is being paid for by a grant from Western Riverside which Keith Bishop has secured.

Finance

Anzo continues to do an excellent job as our treasurer. Finances are still tight, as Anzo’s report will show. We appealed for a quota reduction, which was rejected, but the diocese granted us £8,000 donation and one of the two diocese’s interest free loans was also converted into a grant. This money was used to purchase the organ which we had been hiring since the fire. We have also replaced the duplicator which was on lease and have invested in a photocopier for all church users to access.

To break-even every month our income has to be about £7,000. Even with a combination of your giving, room hire and tax concessions we struggle to achieve this.

We have had the ongoing saga with the shared gas bills with TSM school which we hope to resolve soon.

Lettings of the rooms is coordinated by Pat and Daphne aided by the lettings committee. We have seen the steady increase of people using the church for activities to benefit our community. Despite the termination of the After School Club in early 2006, who were one our main users, we have managed to increase our funds by hiring out the church. Congratulation to the lettings committee for making this happen.

I would like to give special thanks to Anzo for her continued work on maintaining the Church finances, to Keith Bishop for creating and caring for the garden areas at the front and sides of the church and Martin (my husband) for all his hard work in keeping the toilets unblocked, the gutters clear, the light bulbs replaced to mention just a few of his skills.

Karen Gray

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Congregation Committee

The Congregation Committee this year consisted of Olu Agbalaya, Graeme Calf, Helen Cowen, Rose Harley and Eileen Serbutt (Chair), and also Stuart and Cheryl Payne before they moved to Purley. Daphne Clark joined us for the October meeting, and Wilma Roest and Anzo Francis joined us in February.

Topics discussed were the Year's Plans, Training for Intercessors and use of 'Please Pray For' in Pew Sheets, Sunday School, Music and Pianos, Special Sunday Services, Use of Holy Family Chapel, Management of Keys for Lettings, Equality Act Legislation, Harvest Festival, Electoral Roll, Electronic Church Diary, Lent Course, and Sound System Training.

We even got to see inside 5 Veronica Road before Eileen moves!

Graeme Calf

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Tooting Deanery Synod Report 2006-2007

 Unlike Parochial Church Councillors, who are elected every year, lay members of Deanery Synods are elected for a three-year term. St Mary's is entitled to four lay members on Tooting Deanery Synod. In 2006, forthe second year of the current synod, Rose Harley and Victoria Gregory joined myself and Hetta Norman.

Tooting Deanery Synod has met twice in the last year. In October 2006, at The Ascension, Balham Hill, the Rev Bill Musk, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Tulse Hill, gave a presentation on 'Islam in Britain – difficulties within and without'.

In March 2007, at St Alban's, Streatham Park, the Rev Dr Roger Ryan introduced the new parish mission at St Mary's Summertown: 'You matter!'; the Rev Simon Honesgave a presentation on 'Back to Church Sunday'; Joan Botterill was elected to the Archdeacon's Pastoral Committee; Victor Barker Holmes summarised the last two Diocesan Synod meetings; the Rev George Howard reflected on his sabbatical, comparing John Wesley with St Francis of Assisi, while enjoying the local Italian wines at bargain prices; and the Rev Hugh Grear thanked the Rev George Howard for his work as Rural Dean over the last five years.

There are two deanery confirmations later this year: at St Alban's, Streatham Park, on 24th June at 18:30 and at St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common, on 18th November at 10:00. Adult candidates from St Mary's are currently being prepared for the June service.

Tooting Deanery Synod meets again on 9th October 2007 at Holy Trinity, Upper Tooting.

Ruth Williams

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Readers & Intercessors

Once again would like to thank everyone who has been involved during this year, especially those who have been prepared to stand in at the last moment.

It is an important and valuable role proclaiming the Word of God and praying on behalf of the Church, the wider community and the world. This role involves a great deal including ability to give of oneself and sensitivity to the time, the place and the situation. When these are realized it is greatly appreciated.

I am always looking for new people to join the team. It may be that you would prefer to take part from time to time rather then on a regular basis and this is fine.

Any ideas for improvement or suggestions are always welcome. Please feel free to approach me at any time.

Rose Harley

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Stewards & Greeters

Stewards and Greeters are the friendly faces that greet you on Sundays. They are members of the congregation who are there to welcome and assist you in any way, also to answer any queries that may arise or to direct you to someone who can.

Part of their duties is to make sure that you receive the correct books and service sheets for that particular service, although the job may seem simple it is important and relevant to the smooth running of the services.

My sincere thanks to all Greeters and Stewards for giving unstintingly of their time to perform their duties.

We can do with some new faces if anyone is interested please see me.

Daphne Clarke

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Stewardship Scheme

Stewardship Report

St Mary’s Church operates a stewardship scheme through which church members plan their monthly or weekly donations towards the church’s running costs. Members can choose to give by weekly numbered envelope (cash or cheques), by bank standing order or internet banking direct to the church’s principal account as follows:

Sort code: 60-01-34; Account number: 21617767; Account name: St Mary’s Parochial Church Council.

Boxes of envelopes and bank standing order forms are available from the Treasurer. Please note that the blue gift aid forms are for the use of visitors only; regular members should request a box of envelopes. This helps to reduce the time to administer the scheme.

In 2006, an average of 60 members donated by envelope, and 25 members donated by bank standing order. Stewardship income was £38,019 in 2006, and £9,521 tax was recovered under gift aid.

Annual running costs in 2006 were £80,000 (£1,538 per week), and this is expected to increase to nearly £85,000 in 2007 (£1,635 per week). Costs include the fairer shares quota to Southwark Diocese £54,612; insurance; gas and electricity; staff expenses; visiting organists; printing and stationery; service of fire and sound equipment; repairs and maintenance of building and boilers; communion bread and wine; telephone; cleaning wages and other costs.

The PCC therefore needs income of £1,635 per week to meet its expenditure. The average level of giving was £8.60 per week in 2006, and the stewardship committee would encourage members to increase their giving to an average of £10 per week.

The Church of England encourages members to give 5% of net income, however any amount is gratefully received. The key is to give regularly, every week or every month, which enables the PCC to plan its expenditure.

If you are a tax-payer, please also complete a simple gift aid declaration form which enables the donor to receive tax relief on each donation, and allows the church to reclaim tax deducted at source. A gift of £100 would allow the church to claim £28 tax and so increase the gift to £128.

Please see the Treasurer, Building & Finance Chair or Mission Committee Chair should you require any further information. If anyone would like to volunteer to help with running the stewardship scheme, please also let me know.

Thank you for your financial support of the church.

Anzo Francis

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Child Protection

Karen Gray and Carole Shepheard have been the joint Child Protection officers in the church. Carole left us in December 2006 so we are looking for a replacement; if you are interested please see Karen or Wilma.

Our role is to work with the vicar to fulfil the requirements set out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Diocese of Southwark. We report to the PCC via the Congregation committee.

The St Mary’s Church Child Protection Policy is displayed in the Church’s Handbook which includes roles and responsibilities of Officers and workers in the church. Copies of the policy are available on request.

We continue to obtain and update CRB checks for those in contact with children in the church, and to make it a safe place for children and adults to visit.

Karen Gray

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SMILE (St Mary's in Learning & Exploration)

The current SMILE group began in May last year with a trip to Harrods and Harvey Nicks with an imaginary £1,000 each. This was to get us thinking about our values and how society in general ticks. The June weekend found us in Southend on Sea where we played trust games in the garden, devised liturgy in the chapel, and tested our nerves at the funfair. Rev’d Caroline Clarke once again kindly made her cottage on the Isle of Wight available for our September weekend where we discovered a night sky free from light pollution and some friendly horses.

In November we put our skates on at the Natural History Museum and considered the genius and faith of Leonardo da Vinci as displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Gothic vicarage annex at St Mary’s Harrow on the Hill provided our February weekend when we established a strong rhythm of worship, viewed London from the church roof and considered how easy it is to do the wrong thing for the right reasons after we watched The Mission.

At the time of writing we are beginning work on a sketch for Easter Day which will also be the girls first communion as confirmed members of the church. With one more Away Day, a couple of evening sessions and several more chapters of ‘Faith Confirmed’ to work through we will be working hard up to Easter Eve and the Confirmation service in the Cathedral. Please pray for Madalen, Murielle, Nicollette and Sophie and do support them in the Cathedral at 8.00pm on Saturday 7th April if you can.

Susanne Mitchell

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Sparklers

Our group of younger folk (pre confirmation age) who take a course of preparation before being accepted to communion. We have an awareness that squeals of the joy of life and arguments over toys can distract some people from the 'otherness' they crave in worship coupled with the knowledge that out of sight (and sound) can mean out of mind and fellowship for children informed the Sparkler material this year. Whilst there is a body of truth we want to convey concerning Holy Communion and its meaning, the topic can be approached from a number of angles.

As ever it has been a delight to work with the youngsters and their families with siblings. They travelled in leaps and bounds along their path of faith and contribute to the spiritual journey of the adults working with them.

Don't forget each Sparkler needs a 'special friend' from the congregation who encourages them and helps them to feel a part of St. Mary's once they have made there first communion. Talk to Susanne if you would like to be considered for this role, or want to know more about Sparklers in general.

Susanne Mitchell

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Sunday School

We have had another busy year with the children. There was some disruption when the floor of the music room “buckled” and we started to use the balcony room. However we wanted to do that anyway and so far it feels comfortable. One of the best things about this new room is that it allows us all to observe and hear the service and we no longer have to rely upon someone telling us when it is time to enter the church for communion.

We do however like to experiment a little and at a recent meeting of the congregation committee we decided, having discussed with our new priest in charge, that it would also be a nice idea if we could sometimes meet in the Hull Chapel, depending upon the number of children present and the activities planned for the week in question. We hope that this might be the start of a “young church” initiative or it might be the catalyst that enables us to develop something like that.

At present there are 30 children on the register but obviously not all of them attend every week, and numbers can vary from three to last week’s terrifying eighteen or thereabouts which included two newcomers. Flexibility is essential therefore.

We could be much more flexible if we had more assistant and it would then be possible to realize the ideal of three different age groups.

If anyone reading this would care to join us we would be delighted. If you could do so from time to time it would also be welcome. Any ideas you might have would also be welcome. Any ideas you might have would be well received. Please feel free.

Rose Harley/Anzo Francis

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Trinity St Mary's Church of England Primary School

This last year has been one of change for Trinity St Mary’s. Before Christmas we were sad to say farewell to Helen Quintrell, our headteacher for 7 years. In January we welcomed Julie Davey as our new head and look forward to a happy and successful time with her at the helm.

We have achieved several awards. In the summer we were awarded Artsmark Gold, which recognises TSM’s excellent contribution to the arts, both traditional and performing. Last term the school gained the Sportsmark Award and capped it this term by winning the borough football competition. Earlier in the year the school won the Basic Skills Quality Mark for the second time, demonstrating that we are good at promoting literacy and numeracy.

Children, staff and governors have all contributed to developing the grounds. We have a much more exciting playground with new climbing equipment and basketball nets. The attractive front entrance now boasts a pleasant grass area, a range of shrubs and a fountain of pebbles designed by the children. Staff park their cars on ‘grasscrete’, a surface which allows rain water to soak away naturally.

We welcomed Wilma as a new governor and are delighted that she is helping with assemblies and RE. Carole Shepheard and Mary Kpobie left the governors but have been replaced by Edward Venning and Victoria Gregory. Our task for the coming year is to consolidate the school as a ‘one form entry’. This will make budgeting and organisation of the classes much easier in the tight space and help towards improving standards further.

We appreciate our links with St Mary’s and the children look forward to the chances to participate in church events. We are always delighted to welcome volunteers to hear children read. Please contact Mrs Amanda Green in the office (020 8673 4166) if you are interested in getting involved with your attached primary school.

Sarah McDermott (Chairman of Governors April 2007)

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Web Site

The church web site is one of the many ways we try and make our presence know to the wider community as well as aiming to let people know what we have to offer.

During last year our web host changed from ‘freenetname’ to ‘madasafish’ but this has not affected our email or web addresses.

In July 06 we added a new stat counter onto the site so can now report all manner of interesting data/statistics.

Since our records began we have had 2,284 ‘unique’ visitors totalling 7,483 page loads. This has been achieved with monthly visitors ranging between 189 and 393 with the peak being December 2006.

As the graph shows there has been a gentle increase in interest over the year.

We have expanded the content of the site over the year. In addition to the contact information and what’s-on pages there are pages concerned with room hire, church fees, the building project, the church history and items for sale. If you haven’t had a look around then please do.

We try and keep the information up to date and as accurate as possible so that it can be a reliable resource for all those interested in St Mary’s for whatever reason. If there is any particular feature you think should be incorporated then please let me know and we will see what can be done. We are currently looking at how we can refresh the appearance and navigation of the site, so keep looking over the coming months.

Website: http://www.stmarybalham.org.uk/

E-mail: Click Here

Martin and Charles Gray

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Servers and Communion Lay Assistants

We currently have 25 servers and 9 communion lay assistants.

We are those dressed in white attending at the 10:30 service on Sunday and occasionally at other times. Our duty is the relatively simple ones of being there to assist the Ministry team throughout the service, but we like to think we add something to the overall ambience of the occasion. In part we have the unenviable task of being highly visible whilst at the same time striving to blend seamlessly into our surroundings so that we do not attract undue attention to ourselves. Hopefully we achieve this more than not.

Called to serve...? We would welcome new members, particularly adults to our team. At present numbers you would expect to serve about five or six times every four months and to attend one general training session.

Serving is a wonderful way to worship. One is very aware of the changes and rhythms in the church year, one has a sense of contributing a silent offering as well as being educated in and contributing to the passing on of the ritual aspects of this faith tradition.

If you think serving may be for you please catch me after the service one Sunday. We offer training for all aspects of serving and the different types of service offered.

Martin Gray

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Sacristian's

The Sacristans’ team has remained unchanged at Alan Bartlett, Ruth Williams, Graeme Calf and myself. We are very grateful to Sarah Collier for helping with the laundry.

Penny Holloway

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Electoral Role Officer report

The Electoral Role was fully revised in the weeks prior to the APCM. At the time of the APCM there were 103 on the new Electoral Roll. (There were previously 141 people on the Roll). If you have been attending St Mary’s for six months please ask one of the Stewards or Greeters for a form. We have purcased a new church database which is used to hold the official Electoral Roll.

Charles Gray

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