PART 1: LOOKING BACK

1.  ELECTORAL ROLL & EASTER COMMUNICANTS

There has been a slight increase to the Electoral Roll figures since the new Roll was prepared in 2007.  The figures for the four parishes are given below, and this year with the former barometer of Easter Communicant numbers.

2.  PCC ACTIVITIES

There have been a total of 22 PCC meetings.  The highlights of the year’s discussions are given below, omitting housekeeping matters of stewardship, finance and maintenance.  (Where a subject was discussed in all PCCs, it is included in the Combined section.)

The Combined PCC met twice.

Discussion focussed on how we can make our rural churches sustainable. In particular we looked at strategies for survival in an age of a decreasing number of clergy.  Proposed solutions were sometimes at variance with what has been recommended at diocesan and national level – e.g. our own new schedule of services gives the Eucharist a more central place, whereas we are often advised to hold more non-sacramental services, taken by the laity.

w         Ideas for mission. e.g. a Fan the Flame course    

w         Music in the church: Mass settings, holding congregational practices, the likely popularity of Songs of Praise type services

w         The need for training evenings for sidesmen, lectors etc.

w         The need for more housing for retired clergy, so that we can attract them here

w         The desirability of gaining another village to increase our population

w         Organising stewardship

Lastingham PCC met six times.  Other than the things mentioned under Combined PCC, matters discussed included:

w         Church & culture: engaging with a militantly secular and atheistic culture; the Archbishop of Canterbury’s lecture that mentioned Sharia Law

w         Lastingham’s ministry to visitors and pilgrims

w         The highly successful Flower Festival on the theme of the Angels, which drew in the crowds (and the money) and provided a wonderful opportunity for a shared exploration of the Angels in liturgy and scripture      

w         Music and liturgy: the need for workshops in organ playing and singing

w         Lastingham Organ Project: progress in fundraising was kept under review

w         Churchyard: plans for new gravespace; a long-term churchyard management plan

w         Interdependency of parishes within the benefice

w         This PCC’s strengths and weaknesses: a self-appraisal was carried out

Appleton PCC met four times. Other than the things mentioned under Combined PCC, matters discussed included:

w         Use of the building: “Every village church must adapt its buildings or die” – Sir Roy Strong. Planning/review of events: a concert, a parish lunch, Dedication Festival & Gift Day

w         Proposals for a new lighting scheme in the Chancel

w         Proposals for an automatic winding mechanism for the clock

w         Following a legacy, the desirability of setting up some Restricted Funds.

Rosedale PCC met six times. Other than the things mentioned under Combined PCC, matters discussed included:

w         The Church’s public image: the current troubles of the Anglican church; avoiding the sowing of dissent; observing PCC etiquette; reverence in church

w         Training topics covered: reading in church, sidesmen duties

w         Stewardship – how best to organise this

w         The need for some Sunday mornings at other churches, for ‘contact with the outside world’, to share ideas. 

Cropton PCC met four times. Other than the things mentioned under Combined PCC, matters discussed included:

w         Working with the Methodists

w         Possible uses of the building by the community

w         The need to recruit more volunteers to run events     

3.  WORSHIP & CHURCH ATTENDANCE

After eight years of no major change to the schedule of services, a significant change was made in 2008. What this has chiefly done is give the Eucharist a more central place. On Sundays a Parish Eucharist has replaced Morning Prayer. In addition, Evensong is now taking place in all churches except St Chad’s once a month.  The core congregation of the five villages remains about 60 in winter (that’s 4.6% of the population), while attendances in summer may be over 100.  

Easter communicants in 2009 were up on 2008:  132 compared with 111. That’s 55% of the Electoral Roll (43% in 2007).  

The weekday Eucharist in Lastingham and Rosedale continue, as do weekday Offices in each church in rotation. The weekday attendance, at around 35 per month, is very commendable.  (Weekday attendance is considered a good barometer of spiritual health in a parish.)  

Numbers of Occasional Offices in 2007 and 2008 were as follows:

4.  MUSIC & CHOIR

The Choir    

Please see under the Looking Ahead section below.

The Concerts  

Our music programme continues to attract large numbers of visitors from the Ryedale music community and from further afield, and once again we have welcomed both amateur and professional musicians (the latter sponsored by generous benefactors). In 2008 there were 15 concerts (sic) in (or associated with) the churches of the Benefice altogether, including those of the Ryedale Festival (Lastingham 13, Appleton 1 , Rosedale 1). Two by professional musicians at St Mary’s were: The Elegy Explored  (7 June) by Jamie Walton, cello, Madeleine Easton, violin, and Adam Johnson, piano, who played piano trios by Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich; and on 6 December, in Embracing the Romantic Era, Jamie and Adam were joined by Alison Lambert, clarinet, to play works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Brahms.  Ticket sales, plus the fee for the piano and donations, produced altogether £2000 for the church. At Rosedale there was a very enjoyable summer evening concert by Extreme Cellists on the moorland crags above Thorgill. – AT/ASF

Lastingham Organ Project

There has been a wonderfully swift and general  response to our Appeal and the target has been exceeded. Work has begun on the restoration of the 1870s Conacher organ, and the new pipework and other components have been ordered.  The Appeal is still open. Our thanks go to Jozef Mycielski, Head of Fundraising at Ampleforth, for his oversight of the Appeal. – ASF

5.  ECUMENICAL ACTIVITIES

Members of our choir have again joined with the choirs of Our Lady and St Chad, and All Saints, Kirkbymoorside, in the singing of the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom at Ampleforth Abbey. Groups from Ampleforth Abbey and elsewhere continue to celebrate Mass in Lastingham Crypt.  At Hartoft, in the parish of Rosedale, an Anglican Eucharist is held each month in the Methodist Chapel (or in a private house in colder weather).     – ASF

6.   WORK WITH CHILDREN

A formal Sunday School is not currently taking place. Instead, the emphasis has been on involving children in the Liturgy – as servers, in processions, ringing bells, reading.  A Children’s Mass continues at Rosedale once a month.  The Vicar has continued to take a regular assembly at Rosedale School, at which the children are given a grounding in the Liturgy and the Bible.  The children’s tables at Lastingham and Rosedale, with attractive books and colouring facilities, are proving popular. Please see also under the Looking Ahead section, below – ASF

7.  MINISTRY TO VISITORS & PILGRIMS

The five churches continue to receive a large number of visitors.  Many of them say a prayer, light a candle or attend a service.  A paper on the Church’s Ministry to Visitors and Pilgrims was given by the Vicar at the Archdeacon’s visitation. This is available on our website.  It is intended in Rosedale to provide light lunches –  soup, sandwiches, etc., for walkers and visitors on some weekends.  We will inform local walking groups of our intentions with dates, etc. and put up posters.

8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

These are available separately, and are presented by each Treasurer. It should be noted that the Parish Share has risen very sharply in some of the villages. Rosedale and Cropton PCCs have unfortunately had to inform the Diocese that they are unable to pay the full amount asked for 2009.  Sincere thanks go to all who have done the bookkeeping and compiled the Accounts over the past year, or helped with them in any way: Gerald Blakey, Alison Dodgson, Sara Goodswen, Nigel Roberts, June Scarth and Ann Taylor. Mention must also be made of those who count the collections, empty the wall boxes and bank the money. Thank you also to our Independent Examiners:  David Anderson for Lastingham, Hutton and Appleton, Alison Dodgson for Rosedale and Sally Sleigtholme for Cropton. 

Summary of the finances for the past three years

A note on Signpost magazine  Signpost covers both church and community and is published eight times a year. About 420 copies are printed in summer  (less in winter), of which about 50 are distributed to hotels, holiday cottages and campsites, and another 25 sold in the churches. Over 20 are sent by post.  This year’s Accounts again shows a deficit, but then  the purpose is to reach out into the community.  Thank you to all who contribute in any way – writing, dealing with the advertising, editing, folding, delivering and collecting the subscriptions.    – ASF

9.  FABRIC & CHURCHYARD

Fabric Reports

St Mary Lastingham  A specification is being prepared for a complete relighting and rewiring of the Crypt. At a later stage this would be extended to cover the entire church. The building of the Conacher organ is imminent. Work has begun on cleaning and re-painting the metalwork.  – MJP

St Chad's, Hutton-le-Hole  The building has been maintained in good condition with the help of many volunteers during the year.  On the organ, repairs are needed to the tubulo-pneumatic soundboard of the 18 bass pipes     – AGC/ASF

Christ Church, Appleton-le-Moors  A specification is to be prepared for a new lighting scheme to the Chancel.  Also for an automatic winding mechanism for the clock. The new oil tank is commissioned, the boiler repaired, and the heating system now working well.   – MI

St Mary and St Laurence, Rosedale Abbey The narthex is feeling much more lived in, following a gentle re-ordering (which is still under review). There is outstanding work from the Quinquennial (repair/renewal of the east window of the sacristy, fitting of roof plates, painting the ceiling). The proposed upgrade to the lighting also needs to be progressed, as it would make a big difference to the overall atmosphere of the building.  – SKG

St Gregory’s, Cropton  The building has been kept in good condition. On the organ, a new set of pedalboard contacts has had to be installed. Cleaning of the stained glass windows is still to be done.  – PR

Churchyard Reports

St Mary Lastingham  The Churchyard Working Party have kept the churchyard looking very nice.  The eastern part of the churchyard has been made into a Conservation Area, by moving some fencing  to exclude the sheep.  A detailed report recommending a long-term management plan was compiled   – MJP

St Chad’s, Hutton-le-Hole  The churchyard has been maintained in good condition throughout the year with the help of volunteers and a contractor, at minimal cost.   – AGC

Christ Church, Appleton-le-Moors  The churchyard has been maintained in fairly good condition.    – MI

St Mary and St Laurence Church, Rosedale Abbey  The new entrance is completed.  Grass cutting has fallen behind during the year, and this must to be looked into. We are continuing, as best we can, to follow the guidelines set for us by the Living Churchyard Project. We continue to negotiate for a new plot for gravespace.   – SKG

St Gregory’s Cropton  The churchyard feels lighter now that a clump of conifers have been felled and the yew trimmed back. However, further work needs to be done on the yews by the gate, more of the large cypresses could be felled.    – PR

10.  THE FRIENDS OF LASTINGHAM CHURCH

We were delighted that at the AGM in 2008 Gerald Blakey agreed to take over the chairmanship. The 2008 Lastingham Lecture by Professor Ian Wood of the University of Leeds, entitled Lastingham in its Sacred Landscapes, helped us once again to focus on the complex history underlying the origins of this Church. A fascinating picture is emerging. Calls on the Friends funding in support of the maintenance of St Mary’s have been modest this year (notice boards, the churchyard path and access ramps); so, with a comprehensive fund-raising programme in place, and of course the Sixth Lastingham Lecture at the end of October, the Friends will be well placed to respond positively to the inevitable requests for help with the variety of proposed maintenance and improvements in the coming year.  – ASF

 

11.  DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

The Deanery Synod has voted to approve the merging of the deaneries of Helmsley and Pickering.  Later in 2009 there will be vacancies in Helmsley due to the elevation of David Wilbourne as a bishop, and Kirkbymoorside due to retirement of David Purdy, the Rural Dean. Andrew De Smedt spoke of his role as Diocesan Pastoral Care Adviser, and Helen Goodman told of the diocesan commitment to children and young people.  Tony Gillam has completed 25 years as Lay Chairman of Helmsley Deanery Synod and Mark Wilshaw is to take over.  – AM

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 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008

PART 2: LOOKING AHEAD

I  have arranged this section under my own headings, but
all the ideas have been submitted by others.  – ASF

1.  PCC PRIORITIES FOR 2009/2010

1.  Prayer & Worship

w          Encourage stillness, structure and regularity in private prayer.

w          Maintain links with two or three churches within easy reach – attending their services, inviting them back, exchanging ideas.

w          Encourage ‘Traditional’ style services, lest they die out.

w          Provide, and participate in, some training: e.g. sidesmen, lectors, servers.

2.  Our Church Life within the Community & Nation

w          Maintain a good public image, e.g. by

−      the quality of welcome at services, and giving churchgoers confidence 

−      PCC members showing strong united front towards the rest of the community 

−      PCC members showing Christian Faith to be good and true format for life. 

w          Improve our knowledge about

−      the Christian Faith 

−      the wider church 

−      issues currently affecting the Church of England and Anglicanism   , and the Church in the West generally

w          Promote general Christian neighbourliness within the villages.  Offer some care and support: e.g. to the housebound.

w          Be involved with some political issues – be prepared to canvass!  Set up a link with one or two charities or causes not necessarily church-related: e.g. the Teesside Asylum Seekers. 

w          Recruit more people to do ancillary work – in our small population of a mere 1300 there is inevitably serious shortage. Involving them not only frees up the parish priest’s time; it is also a way to reach out to others and make them part of our plans.

w          The Angels & Flowers Festival at Lastingham in 2008 involved, and brought in,
so many people. We may well want a break for a year or two, but it’s time to start thinking of ideas now! 

 2.  CHOIR PRIORITIES FOR 2009/2010

The Lastingham Benefice Choir (which has been in existence since 2003) aims:

w         to extend its repertoire in all areas of the Liturgy – hymns and anthems, mass settings, wedding music, and the singing of Evensong 

w         to continue to forge links with other local choirs and singers especially St Gregory’s and St Chad’s/Ampleforth and to recruit more singers – especially more men!

w         to undertake training from the RSCM or other bodies as appropriate.

w         to maintain steady improvement in voice production, tonal quality, phrasing and musical sensitivity

– CH

 3.  PRIORITIES FOR WORK WITH CHILDREN FOR 2009/2010

w          Encourage children’s  involvement, e.g. Palm Sunday procession, serving, ringing bells.

w          Visit young families to invite them to church.  Send invitations to attend certain benefice services.

w          Provide attractive books at the back of the church. Also colouring sheets and felt tips, and noticeboard space to display their work. 

w          Continue Children’s Mass at Rosedale once a month. 

w          If necessary, find alternative to school assemblies to continue the grounding that has been given in the Liturgy and the Bible. 

w          Provide annual outing for children.  

*       *       *

The following verse has been submitted for inclusion in this section:

From everyone to whom much has been
given, much will be required  (Luke 12,48).