Present: Ann Adams, Jenny Hayward (Churchwardens), Sally Cripsey, Nick Cullum, Jan Diffey, Warren Foot, Carol Watts, Liz White, Mike White
Apologies: Valerie Oertel, Amy Johnston, Julie Longbottom
AA opened the meeting by saying that the Churchwardens had had a Zoom meeting with Bishop Richard and Archdeacon Dave regarding the vacancy in the Benefice and she read out the report which she said would be sent by e-mail at the conclusion of the meeting. She stressed that the report was highly confidential for PCC members only at this stage.
As the report was read out there was a time of quiet after AA finished as members tried to absorb the material and consider the three options for the future.
AA said that the Churchwardens had asked if it would be possible to have a part time priest
WF asked AA and JH when services were likely to resume in Haynes Church. As the answer was not any time soon because of restrictions, WF commented that the appointment was academic at this stage because we could be in limbo for considerable time. WF asked whether we could continue to pay our Parish Share.
Was it because our post was the last to be advertised that no appointment was to be made?
MW said that both Ampthill and Silsoe had had clergy posts filled recently. He said that he was sceptical and thought that because our 3 parishes were smaller it was easier to split them and do away with the benefice
SC commented that a half time priest would not be possible with 3 churches
EW said that AA and JH and others had done a great job of leading us through the interregnum and lockdown, but in order to keep the congregation together at a difficult time without a priest and when we cannot physically attend church, she felt that we need someone to lead us through to the next stage.
WF asked as a cost cutting exercise why would someone be willing to accept the post for, say, a year, when we don’t know when services will resume? Would it be better to get help from neighbouring parishes?
JH said that they had been leaning towards the option of having neighbouring clergy to help us through.
JD said that we should request a Eucharist service once a month – we are missing Communion – could the staff at St Albans help us out?
WF asked about services at Clophill and Campton. Both have resumed services and SC said that they are trying different ways but there is no Communion service at present.
AA thanked the PCC and members thanked AA and JH for their continued efforts.
AA repeated that she and JH were meeting with Bishop Richard and Archdeacon Dave on 4th August and asked members to send her written comments before that date after they had read and digested the report.
The meeting ended at 8.15pm with The Grace.
Liz White
PCC Secretary
St. Mary’s Church, Haynes