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St Cassians Church, Chaddesley Corbett.

Annual Report

There have been some good things and some disappointing things. The activities of the Family Service and Sunday school described later is one good thing and another was the Church Fete. Linking it to the Church where there were beautiful flowers representing different themes and music played by a team of local organists was good. It was a great success raising £5,400. However, it only took place thanks to the determination of the Churchwardens and it is to be hoped that others may come forward this year to relieve them of this particular responsibility.

It is disappointing that the size of the congregation has been far from steady. It may be that our legislators have made it too easy for the second commandment to be broken. The PCC is to consider ideas to put this right. Two new forms of service for the 9.30 Eucharist have been introduced based on the old form but with opportunity for the congregation to take part in the intercessions. One has seasonal content.

Since it has been established that our Churchyard has never been closed, burials are to take place. The Diocese has approved an area and regulations, made by the Chancellor, relating to Monuments introduced. The mowers continue to keep the grass in order and we are grateful to them and to Rob Blakeway for overseeing the rota.

The refurbishment of the organ has caused the minimum of disruption and we look forward to it being played again. We should like to thank Richard Vale for producing the parish magazine for the past 9 years, and we are grateful to Andrew Page for taking over, and also to the Editors, Audrey Cook and Joy Blakeway. 

FAMILY SERVICES AND SUNDAY SCHOOL:
As always, the 'big' Family Services have been well attended. As well as Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest and Christingle, we have this year particularly enjoyed a Palm Sunday procession led by Ginny the donkey (this was sadly the last of her wonderful contributions to the life of St.Cassians), a lively School Service led by Steve Martin, the Dioscesan Youth Officer, and a new Crib Service on Christmas Eve.

Sadly numbers have not been so good at other services, in spite of our efforts to publicise them. This is disappointing,  especially as we feel that the planning group has worked hard to put together a worthwhile and enjoyable mix of services - these have included a Candlemas Rap, the Prodigal Son retold in chocolate bars, a 'mix and match' Bible reading, a doll's and teddies party for Barbie's 50th anniversary and a Jesse Tree for Advent. 

With so much to offer we really do need the support of the members of the Church family in encouraging young families to come to Church so that they can enjoy the services and the fellowship, and have the opportunity to develop - or at least explore - their Christian faith.

The Sunday School meets every Sunday in term time except for Family Services. Beth Page is responsible for planning the work of the Sunday School, and she is helped each week by a committed team of Leaders and helpers. At present we have 14 children on the register, including several new members. Weekly attendance is about half this number. The sessions are varied and lively, and offer an all too rare chance for children to develop their understanding in a small, secure and friendly group. The Sunday School regularly contributes to the Family Services, this year producing a rap, artwork for Mothering Sunday and the Jesse Tree, and leading the Crib Service. Their contribution is very valuable.

On the social side we again cheered up the winter a with a Pancake Party on Shrove Tuesday. Pancake races followed by a Pancake supper made an enjoyable evening for all age groups. In July the Sunday School enjoyed their annual BBQ breakfast in the Churchyard …. sizzling sausages sniffed enviously by those going into Church! 

Plans for next year include an Epiphany Supper and a May Day Breakfast - again both events are to appeal to families and all age groups. In addition to these events we all enjoy the fellowship of 'coffee and a chat' after each Family Service. 

We are lucky to have had the help this year of two teenagers, both of whom are ex-members of' the Sunday School, Sophie Green has been helping with the Sunday School as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award, and James Roe has become an invaluable member of both the Sunday School and Family Service teams. His ability to share his talents and enthusiasm gives  us a fresh dimension in much of the work we do, and he obviously provides a wonderful role model for the young people we work with.

Thank you to everyone who is involved in all this work particularly the members of the Family Service and the School leaders and helpers. A very special thank you to the Wardens whose input in all these areas is immense.
Ali Mindelsohn (Co-ordinator)

CHOIR REPORT:
The choir has led our worship through another year and we are grateful for their continuing contribution and commitment. 

Senior choir members were joined by family and friends on an enjoyable day's outing to St Albans, culminating at Evensong in the Abbey/Cathedral. Junior  members once again enjoyed  their outing to the pantomime at Stourport-on-Severn. 

The choir has maintained its adult membership this year, losing one but gaining a senior chorister from the junior section. The junior members now number six. We look forward to adding to the junior section during the coming year and would always welcome adult singers to our ranks.

As always we are indebted to our organist for his continuing contribution to our worship and particularly because of his involvement with the cleaning and refurbishment of the organ. Christine Hickman~Smith

FABRIC:
2004 was a year of preparation for the work identified in the 2003 Quinquennial Inspection to be carried out. Following the receipt of a Faculty, the work was put out to tender, and three quotations were returned. It is hoped that the work will be carried out in Summer 2005.

Plans were also drawn up for the siting of a toilet and a small kitchen area in the North Aisle. The D.A.C. have approved the ideas in principle, and a Faculty will be applied for early in 2005.
The major project was the cleaning and up-grading of the organ. This work started towards the end of the year, and will be completed early in 2005. 

In addition, new lighting was installed in the Choir stalls, and we were indebted to David Baines for his help.
David Mills

TREASURERS REPORT:
Income: Following the expiry of many of the four year covenants at the end of 2003, a fund raising exercise was carried out at the beginning of the year. 
In addition to previous donors, newcomers to the area were approached and the response was very encouraging. Income from planned giving and donations increased by £9,000. 
As a result, the income tax recovered increased by £1,800. Also collections improved by £1100, but were still lower than the 2002 figure.

Expenditure: The Diocesan quota payment increased by £1,650 to £19,800, but the main expense of £15,600 was the cleaning and upgrading of the organ. 
The final payment of £8,500 will be due in March 2005. The arguments with British Gas were finally resolved in November, when a settlement of £367 was paid. This figure related to gas used in 2003.
Total expenditure exceeded income by almost £7,000 which meant that funds in Current and Deposit accounts fell to £32,500. 

For the future, 2005 will see the work on the stonework and the East window carried out. Quotations have been received, and it looks as if the total cost, including fees will be around £30,000. The Friends have confirmed that they will meet the majority of this cost.

The proposals for the installation of a toilet and a small kitchen in the North Aisle have not yet been approve or put out for quotation, so if the work does go ahead the costs will probably come into 2006.

The Diocesan Quota increase for 2005 will be £530.

From this programme, it can be seen that it is vitally important that the income level is maintained and, if possible, increased. 
David Mills