Costas Benopoulos-Jones, our Market Manager, reported on recent developments. The Food Market on Mondays and the Wednesday to Saturday general market have both been very successful recently following the implementation of various improvements. Following a slow start to 2015, the market ended the year overall only slightly behind budget. The Tuesday antiques market did less well, which led to the implementation of some changes from January 2016, in particular the introduction of a number of food stalls. Other changes in the market include the installation of new LED energy efficient lighting, to be completed by the end of March.
The PCC perused the Management Accounts for the twelve months to 31st December 2015. A balanced budget had been set for the year and this had been achieved from regular income and expenditure. However, there would be a surplus, yet to be finalised, arising from one-off income from the letting of the garden and compensation relating to current building works in the garden. The PCC discussed the allocation of the surplus, to including a transfer to the Building Repair Fund and a small amount towards a fund to help support events, with the remainder to be used to help deliver a balanced outcome for 2017.
The PCC reviewed a draft structure and language for St James’s new strategic plan for 2016-19, which had been developed following consultation with the congregation in summer 2015, through discussion at PCC meetings and a delegated working party. The draft values, objectives and actions would be taken forward to a further consultation meeting with the congregation to be held after the Sunday service on 14th February.
The PCC held a brief initial discussion on whether St James’s should seek to attain Eco Church status. Eco Church is an initiative that aims to equip congregations in England and Wales to care for creation by helping them to integrate environmental care throughout their church through worship and teaching, the management of buildings and land, community and global engagement, and through the personal lifestyle of church members. Deborah Colvin and Penelope Douglas agreed to look further into Eco Church and to provide a report to the next PCC meeting.
The PCC also discussed ShareAction, a charity that has been building a successful movement of people concerned for social and environmental justice who take action through the investment system, and it was agreed that a small group would give consideration as to how to take forward St James’s’ support for this group.
With regard to the Wren site redevelopment project, the PCC noted that efforts were still being made to arrange consultation meetings with Westminster Council and Historic England.
The forthcoming Lent Course was discussed. St James’s would be piloting a course ‘Love for the Future’ written by David Osborne, with meetings on Sunday afternoons, or alternatively Friday afternoons, throughout Lent.
Feedback was given by PCC members on the recent Flight art installation in the church by Arabella Dorman to draw attention to the Syrian refugee crisis. The installation was considered had been very worthwhile, having drawn widespread attention through national and local media and having raised funds to be donated to help refugees.
The PCC approved an interim donation of £2,000 to West London Day Centre to help support homeless people into accommodation.
Minutes were received and noted of the recent Staff Meeting, Liturgy Health and Safety Committee meetings and Audit Committee meeting.
The PCC perused the Management Accounts for the twelve months to 31st December 2015. A balanced budget had been set for the year and this had been achieved from regular income and expenditure. However, there would be a surplus, yet to be finalised, arising from one-off income from the letting of the garden and compensation relating to current building works in the garden. The PCC discussed the allocation of the surplus, to including a transfer to the Building Repair Fund and a small amount towards a fund to help support events, with the remainder to be used to help deliver a balanced outcome for 2017.
The PCC reviewed a draft structure and language for St James’s new strategic plan for 2016-19, which had been developed following consultation with the congregation in summer 2015, through discussion at PCC meetings and a delegated working party. The draft values, objectives and actions would be taken forward to a further consultation meeting with the congregation to be held after the Sunday service on 14th February.
The PCC held a brief initial discussion on whether St James’s should seek to attain Eco Church status. Eco Church is an initiative that aims to equip congregations in England and Wales to care for creation by helping them to integrate environmental care throughout their church through worship and teaching, the management of buildings and land, community and global engagement, and through the personal lifestyle of church members. Deborah Colvin and Penelope Douglas agreed to look further into Eco Church and to provide a report to the next PCC meeting.
The PCC also discussed ShareAction, a charity that has been building a successful movement of people concerned for social and environmental justice who take action through the investment system, and it was agreed that a small group would give consideration as to how to take forward St James’s’ support for this group.
With regard to the Wren site redevelopment project, the PCC noted that efforts were still being made to arrange consultation meetings with Westminster Council and Historic England.
The forthcoming Lent Course was discussed. St James’s would be piloting a course ‘Love for the Future’ written by David Osborne, with meetings on Sunday afternoons, or alternatively Friday afternoons, throughout Lent.
Feedback was given by PCC members on the recent Flight art installation in the church by Arabella Dorman to draw attention to the Syrian refugee crisis. The installation was considered had been very worthwhile, having drawn widespread attention through national and local media and having raised funds to be donated to help refugees.
The PCC approved an interim donation of £2,000 to West London Day Centre to help support homeless people into accommodation.
Minutes were received and noted of the recent Staff Meeting, Liturgy Health and Safety Committee meetings and Audit Committee meeting.