A VERY WARM WELCOME TO REV. JO JONES
How did Jo manage to keep smiling at the end of what must have been a long (and yes exciting) day? No doubt it was quite a hard thing to do.
But of course she did have her family supporting her not to mention her NOT TWIN sister Jan, actually her older sister, but so alike and as Paul said during his welcome sermon, yes she is lucky to have us. That obviously caused a collective giggle from the congregation; but actually it did make me think. It is quite true we in fact are lucky to have each other, to be members of an increasingly lovely looking church. The All Saints’ interior is really looking splendid and I think more able to cope with the ‘modern’ demands put upon it.
It does seem to be just the right time to welcome Jo, on another leg of her journey, as we are on another step forward too. Let us be united and aware of all our blessings in each other as we all continue forward in the service of one another and of God.
Vicky, Deputy Churchwarden
Eddie writes:
Happy summer holidays to all at All Saints----may you all return refreshed to face the ultimate challenges of not only everyday life, but The New All Saints Church with the refurbishment complete and facilities that this will provide.
Also we have already welcomed Jo Jones our new Deacon, who not only through her In House training but her enthusiasm for the future, alongside our other team Ministry members, will challenge us all.
The biggest problem for the future, is the old old "thorn" of Finance we have to look seriously at ways of increasing our income, not only to meet the cost of having our own Incumbent, but to meet the day to day running costs of the Church. To this end a meeting has been arranged with representatives from the Diocese with the PCC in early September to seek their expertise and advice.
If we are unable to even meet the cost of own Incumbent which is the bulk of the family purse, there could be a possibility that we would be without our own designated vicar in the not too distant future. The predicted costs from the Diocesan Budget for 2011 for the Direct costs of a Priest is £41000 ( this is the total cost not just his Stipend) and the overall cost with other overheads is forecast at £58000.
To this end it is anticipated that a 2% increase in the Quota figure could be requested which might mean All Saints must try to provide £56500 for the year 2011. I dare not try to estimate what the percentage increase in our revenue might be to meet such a figure, as at the present time we get no where near the current asking figure.
Already we are benefiting from the extra space that the new D’Arcy Room provides for our own requirements, and the PCC will be looking at ways and means of utilising these for the full benefit of the Parish.
Let us go forward in the hope that there will be a Silver Lining on the horizon.
Eddie - Churchwarden
