Lay Reader - John Mountain

I had a quiet start to the year as I underwent surgery and required some months to recover.
When Brian retired things changed dramatically. I took on responsibility for funerals taking services in church, at the crematorium and subsequent burials in churchyards and burial of ashes services. Its been a real challenge. I've also had to handle the constant phone calls and text messages into the church from outsiders, prepare the service rota's and themes for the next three months services. In addition I have had to support the 8 am weekly communions, giving communion by extension myself every other week and organising the visiting clergy for the alternate weeks. In addition I have taken sick communions to the old peoples' homes and to individuals during 2008. On the 30th March I will be taking my first Christening.
All of this has been a tremendous privilege but also a very time consuming activity. I am retired but I also have my own family life and I must work out carefully how long I can sustain all these activities or whether I should in future be more selective.

Treasurer - Lin Milne

After extensive roof repairs in 2006 the main aim of the 2007 accounts was to start to replace the depleted reserves. The Diocesan quota was discussed by the Churchwardens, Brian and treasurer and we notified the Diocese that we were unable to fund the whole quota but would pay at the previous year's rate (£39k) and assigned fees.
During the year it was decided to open a completely separate account for the re-ordering finds and gifts totalling £5300.00 had been collected, with payments out for improvements in the lighting.
Rental from the scouts is still one year in arrears. They have been informed that the 2007 rental will be collected in May 2008 so bringing payment up to date.
Brian's retirement at the end of October meant that the Diocese took over the rates for the vicarage.
Tithes due for the year were £6554.00 and £6470.00 was distributed before the year end. A further £100.00 has since been donated towards the Parbold Youth Club Project.
Thanks are due to the churchwardens, Ron Mills and David Baybutt who have helped me Sunday by Sunday to count the collection, and also to Bill Smith for his help and advice and his careful auditing of the year's accounts. Also thanks are due to all who faithfully give to the church to carry on God's work in Parbold.

Pastoral Auxiliary: Joanna Ashcroft

This role seems to have merged with the youth group and it has taken over my life.

Parish Administrator
Report of the Under 18s "Safe from Harm" Coordinator: Frances McGucken

During the past year the activities relating to the work amongst the under eighteen church "population" has continued and the Safe from Harm procedures remain intact. The annual registration form for Sunday morning activities is being used, and its use should be extended to cover the JO8 members who attend at other times. This will be implemented immediately.
New helpers in the various young peoples' groups have had applications made for CRB clearance. CRB clearance applications have completed for new helpers of the Noah's ark group as well.
On October 29th 2007, in anticipation of the Vicar's retirement, I attended the Board of Education (of Blackburn Diocese) CRB Approved Signatory Course. This means that in the absence of an incumbent, I will be responsible for checking and signing all CRB applications.
I wish to thank all the leaders of the young peoples' groups for their co-operation.
Music Group: Mike Graham
The Worship team have continued to work, grow and above all worship together with increasing harmony, and in spite of the constant frustrations of time pressures it has been a good year once again.
We have again found various ways of dealing with difficulties so that our love for and trust in one another has increased. We look forward to continued growth in skills and spiritual maturity - and in numbers! The Mercer family's increasing involvement has been hampered by Catherine's shoulder injury, but this is now almost completely better, and we (and she!) are grateful. The tragic loss of Colleen was tempered to some degree by the Spirit-filled celebration of her life - it was a privilege to have known and shared in music with such a lovely lady. Ruth has been able to join us at times in spite of the battles she is having with her health. Having Charles amongst us as organist and music group member has been a huge 'plus', and the Christmas Choir is surely a fixture now! Sylvia decided last year to reduce her playing (she still 'does' Thursday services - AND was/is a key member of Charles' choir!), and we are all very grateful to her for being there for us recently in an 'emergency'. (Her ladies singing group came up trumps too!) It has been wonderful to see Robert's continued emergence as a gifted lead guitarist/bass player and Martin's as a percussionist, and the re-emergence of a 'youth band' with Rob and Martin taking leading roles. There are growing signs of new talent emerging from the even younger ones - witness the wonderful 'Bow down to Jesus' on Palm Sunday. To Jill Bithell, Rebecca Hickling, Judith Townsley, Kate Smith, Charlotte Burdett, Lucy and Steve Huntly, Charles' brother and others our thanks for valuable help in Worship: we are very grateful.
I am particularly grateful to the 'core' group for their commitment and support -they have all made wonderful contributions to the leading of worship.
We would always welcome constructive criticism of the music and thanks to those who already provide it and to those who 'encourage.'
The greatest needs for the immediate future are:
· The refurbishment, which will give more space in the appropriate area and make our work much easier.
· More support for the wonderful group of sound engineers including an overhaul and/or upgrade to the sound system. (They do a great job, sometimes under very trying circumstances. Our warm thanks go out to them all, especially as they continue to enhance worship through their skilful use of the projector). NB These are exactly the same as last year!!
Thanks too to Brian H., who provided much encouragement including the service sheets for us all, and gave us real freedom to plan worship with minimal constraint. In the months since his retirement, the talented band of people who have led us forward and fulfilled these tasks have been wonderfully efficient and encouraging - thank you all.
Please pray for us, that we would continue to lead worship by BEING worshippers, and that all who come to our Church will be touched by the Holy Spirit and be drawn closer to God.

Sunday School (JJ08 & J08): Michele Holliday

There have been several changes in leadership since the last activity report. In August 2007 I took over responsibility for Sunday School from Derek Aschroft who had been in charge for several years. Indeed, in compiling this report, I would like to thank Derek for his hard work, commitment, encouragement and service to the Sunday School. I would also like to thank Derek for building up a good stock of resources which has meant our spending costs for this year have been minimal. In addition I would also like to thank Angela Cully for her years of service, commitment and hard work.
Until recently, the running of Sunday School has progressed fairly smoothly. In September I was very pleased that Sue Murrin-Bailey had volunteered to become a member of the Sunday School team but could see that Joanna Ashcroft was wilting. The burden of a full time day job, responsibility for the youth group, plus a variety of other church commitments and taking the 10-16's Sunday School class each week was too much. I therefore decided to reduce the number of Sunday School classes to two, which would enable a rotation system to be put in place.
The 4 - 8 year olds' class remained as it always had, with Diane Powell and Angela Cully leading them on a one month on, one month off basis. The 9-11 and 9-16 classes were merged. The idea was that we would change the structure of the lessons, try to make them fun and suitable for a broader age range. Sue, Joanna and I then intended to lead the classes on a monthly rotation basis. In actual fact we have found that, most of the time, the second class has consisted of the 9-12 year olds, which Sue and I have rotated. The teenagers have tended to opt to stay in the main service and then to go to the Young People's group held by Joanna Ashcroft at 7.30 pm in the evening.
Until March, the arrangement worked well and Sunday School has been booming, with an average of twenty to twenty five children attending each week. Unfortunately, whilst the numbers of children attending and enjoying Sunday School has been growing, the leadership has reached a crisis point. Due to family commitments, Angela Cully is no longer able to take the 4-8 year olds class and so far there have been no volunteers to take her place. Everyone involved with Sunday School has gained great enjoyment from leading a class on a rotation basis but a weekly commitment would be draining and eventually impossible to keep up. I would be willing to move across to take the 4-8 year olds' class on a rotation basis with Dianne. This, however, would mean Joanna would have to help Sue with the 9-12 year olds and also take youth group in the evening, which is asking too much on top of her other commitments.
I do so hope and pray that someone will be moved to volunteer to help with Sunday School. Whoever rises to the challenge would be given lots of support and assistance to get them going, not just thrown in at the deep end. Perhaps someone would be willing to offer occasional help, perhaps in a specialist area. Occasional help, for example, from people with skills in drama, dance, athletics, sport and nature study would be a great help. Even someone willing to offer assistance rather than leadership would be helpful. We could occasionally combine the classes into one but, with such a wide age range and numbers sometimes rising to thirty, there are far too many children for one person to cope with on their own.
In conclusion, the past year has been a successful one, with the Sunday School thriving and growing. How sad it would be if we become unable to sustain this success. Particularly so when, as you can see from Sue's report below, Sunday School can yield many benefits
Sunday School - Sue Murrin-Bailey
We have had a very busy time over the last few weeks with both the J08 and JJ08 groups working well together.
The children have worked hard on formulating and discussing key words of faith, drawing them together to write a faith song which they have practiced in the sessions and will perform in Church on Palm Sunday.
They also contributed a segment to the Mothering Sunday service as we concentrated during two sessions discussing the importance of Mothers from Biblical stories and also how the children could identify how their own Mum's were reflected in everyday things in today's world.
Thank you for the opportunity it has been inspiring for the leaders as well as the led.

Crèche: Jo Higgins

A few years ago Catherine Mercer started a rota of people to look after the under 3s in the crèche so the children's parents can participate in the service. Last year I took over the rota and we have continued to try and provide this facility at every morning service. We usually have two or three children at any one time with some parents staying with them while other children let their parents go back into church. We hope that as the children get to know us and the toys, they start to feel more comfortable with us. For those parents who are new or wish to stay with their child it is a time to get to know each other.
I would like to thank Catherine for starting and organizing the rota initially, and all the people who help or have helped out. If anyone would like to spend one Sunday morning every four to five weeks, sitting on the floor playing with the toys and getting to know the youngest members of our church family please contact me.

JO8 Youth work (11-16s); Joanna Ashcroft

Since the last report we have continued to meet in the church most Sunday nights with the occasional break when we meet in the WI hall and someone's house for pizza and DVD night. We have really missed Brian but he has left us with enough grounding for us to carry on. I feel that now we are one group rather than the older group and the younger ones. We do still stay on later with the older group usually for a chat and discussions. I have had a lot of help from Becky, Rob, Charlotte and Martin and we meet regular for group leaders meetings. We do try to vary the youth meetings each week along with outings usually on Fridays and Saturdays. We went to see Y Friday (a Christian rock band) a few weeks ago a bit loud but the kids enjoyed it. We have lots of activities planned but they need to be agreed by the PCC. At the moment we are planning a service for May. Please continue to pray for us as some of the group would like to be confirmed and that we will grow together in the Lord and to do His will.

Prayer newsletter: Lin Milne
There were 10 editions of the prayer newsletter in 2007 with a break in January and August. Contributions are again varied and encouraging. It is always a blessing to share prayer needs and information about the Church, the Day School and people we support throughout the world.
Thanks to Brain, Branwen and Simon Harrison and anyone else who helped in the printing and distribution of the newsletter - costs for which are included in the printing and stationary section in the annual accounts.
I would encourage more people to request that they receive the newsletter via e mail to help keep the costs to a minimum.

Church Wardens Report: Derek Ashcroft/ Frances McGucken

Administration: Due to Derek working away during the week and only available at the weekend the administration aspect of the Churchwardens duties fell mainly on Frances' shoulders. Meetings with Diocesan officials and Church meetings were arranged where possible during the weekend. It soon became apparent that Brian would be retiring later in the year, on his birthday in fact, the 1st November. We heartily thank Brian, and Branwen, for their untiring efforts, support and teaching during their time here at Parbold. Brian's encouragement and the teams set up by previous churchwardens have enabled our church to function without difficulty during the last six months. Our heartfelt thanks also go to those who have contributed to, or taken part in, the services since Brian's retirement. We pray that this level of commitment will continue and spread throughout the church.
The first ministry team meeting took place in November to decide who could/would/should takeover some of the vicar's tasks. Most of these devolved to those who were already assisting Brian in his work. Contact was made with Michael Everett at Standish to arrange a Priest at each of our 8 am Sunday services. Bread or wafers would be blessed at this service for 'Communion by Extension' at the monthly services at 10 am and Thursday morning. Margaret Atherton volunteered to produce the weekly notices. When Phillip Dennison from Shevington had visited he suggested that the ministry team should meet every month, to include Joanna as Youth Leader, and invited himself along to give guidance and encouragement.
In December we received notification from Bishop Nicholas that he would 'Suspend Presentation to the Laity'. We asked John Hawley, the Archdeacon, to visit and explain what this meant to the PCC and afterwards to the church. -The Bishop will not be presenting a new priest to Parbold to take over the role and function of Brian Harding-. John Hawley has suggested that one or two non-stipendiary church workers would move into the area and work within a 'cluster' of parishes, namely Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge and Parbold.
In order to progress the Church Re-ordering it was felt that the church needed a vision, a way forward, to know where God was leading us. The re-ordering of the church needs to be progressed urgently otherwise we will lose momentum and opportunity. A week of prayer was organised with the church being open each day to encourage visitors to come in and look round, pray, chat etc. This took place in February and we had just short of one hundred visitors during the week. We are still waiting upon God for a vision for our church.
Brian, as full time vicar, had many tasks within the parish and the church. Most of these are being done by volunteers to whom we are extremely thankful. However there are other areas which need addressing, some simply to assist and relieve the pressure. If you feel called by God to help, please see Derek or Frances.
Buildings, Internal: The new cupboards and worktop has now been completed in the Vicar's vestry. As conversion to vestry cum office the church computer has been installed along with a laser printer and multi use copier-scanner. It is intended to connect the computer to the internet via telephone line but this has yet to be addressed. The church lighting has been upgraded to energy saving lamps. Work is in progress to remove some of the items around the church which are not ours or no longer of use.
Buildings, External: The leaks through the toilet block and vestry roofs have been repaired by a company called Roofscape. They have also cleared the gutters and made repairs to the Old School roof. The outside lights for access to the church and Day School during the hours of darkness are now controlled by timers and light sensors.

PCC Secretary

The role of PCC secretary remains much the same with the sending out of information relating to PCC meetings, compiling the minutes and putting together the annual activity report ready for the annual meeting. There is no cost to this role except time!

Deanery synod

Electoral roll: Derek Ashcroft

Due to the sad loss of two of our congregation last year, Brian Milner and Ann Woolfenden, the number on the electoral roll currently stands at 116. Of that total, 28 (24%) live outside the parish. There are only 5, that is 4%, young people now under the age of 21 listed on the roll. Sixty-seven members (58%) are women and forty-nine members (42%) are men. I have estimated that 41% of the members are of retirement age. I must stress that this is only an estimate!

Sound and tape ministry

Multimedia report 2007: Mark Townsley

My thanks to everyone who has taken an interest in the projection of the services and especially to those who have helped every Sunday. With the retirement of Brian Harding the ministry team have endeavoured to advise of the weekly services in plenty of time to put the service together. Please continue to do this!
Mediashout:
Running MediaShout has improved with the number of songs in the database increasing to approximately 3000 songs. Barbara Long has been trained up in the use of Mediashout and is proving a valuable help and when necessary more training will be given. More help is required if a rota is to be instigated and despite several appeals none is forthcoming.
Vestry Office:
A new Samsung colour laser printer has been purchased to replace the old black & white laser printer from the Vicarage, as parts were no longer available for repairs. An HP all-in-one printer was also purchased to facilitate photocopying of documents these printers are linked via a network and it is hoped in the future to link the Church computer via the network to each of the printers.
A further copy and license for Microsoft Office was purchased and installed on the Vestry computer that enables the monthly magazine and weekly notices sheet to be printed.
CCLI:
It is a condition of the licence that a record of songs used is kept and sent to CCLI annually. Attached is the CCLI record of songs used in the past year (see appendix).
Future Plans:
More training in the use of MediaShout is required to build up a team of people competent to arrange services. The projector bulb has only 2000 hrs max life, replacement cost for a bulb is c. £400. (The projector cost £250). When the bulb goes we have no alternative but to either buy a new bulb or buy another projector, preferably one with a higher specification. A new projection screen is required as the surface of the existing screen is becoming wrinkled.
Incurred costs this year:
Microsoft Office £84.60
Samsung CLP £205.60
HP All-in-one £55.00

Bellringers: John Hulbert (Ringing Master) Written March 2008

General Report
This year has been quiet - very much as last year.
Practises and to a certain extent ringing for Sunday services, has continued to be affected by a number of ringers increasingly
spending more time on holiday and a few with other interest which conflict with both practise and Sunday ringing. This has again
meant that practices have unfortunately had to be cancelled when we have had insufficient ringers.
As in previous years, we have again played host to the 'Wigan Branch' of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers, for one
their regular, monthly meetings. This year, 2008, it will be in July.
Our ever present problem, it being no different this year, is that we need more new ringers (of all ages) in the tower, not only to
keep alive the ancient art of bellringing, but to ensure that there are sufficient members available to ring when others are away.
Please come & join us. We will all be pleased to see you and you will be helping to maintain the Heritage of both our Church &
Country. The experience has its rewards and it's something to put in your CV, if you are young enough.
Progress
Again progress in perfecting the art of 'Change Ringing' has generally been limited to a method called 'Cloister', but we have
also, when we have had the numbers, rung 'Plain Bob' and 'Grandsire'. What's that? - some may ask -come and see! Our skill in
'Striking' continues to improve and on some occasions I'm sure we would be good enough to win striking competitions.
Aims for coming year
Our aim is simply to continue to be committed to improvement and in particular for more of us to be able to ring 'Methods'. This
will, however take a lot of hard work, by all.
I think our main aim, however, is as noted above, to try in see an increase in our numbers, to be able to have sufficient ringers to
rely upon, to ring, particularly for the half hour, before our Sunday morning services. MORE RINGERS ARE NEEDED
- COME & GIVE IT A TRY
Finances
As stated in previous years, we, as ringers do not have monies for which we are required to give account. The only money, that we
receive, is payment for ringing at weddings and gifts from other ringers, which, rather than share out, we pool and spend on a meal
or meals together and for the payment of our individual membership subscriptions to The Lancashire Association of Change
Ringers.

Home groups

House Group: Sue Mellor/ John Mountain

We meet at John's house on The Common every two weeks during term time, and usually 8-9 people attend. 50% are Catholics and as a group we have been meeting for 9 years at the same venue. As you can imagine we have become close and often individuals share other activities together. This year we have focused on the letters of Philemon, Titus and Timothy. In addition we have had special focus's on the meaning of seasons - Advent, Epiphany and Holy Week. In summer we had our annual barbeque where husbands / wives of the house group members attend. It is always an enjoyable occasion. Each meeting we pray for individuals in need in both of our churches and see a good proportion of answered prayer.

House Group: Brian McGucken

There have been several changes in house-groups over the past year, with the eventual merging of the group led by Joanna Ashcroft and the vicar with the group led by Brian Millner, who sadly passed away during the year. I then became leader of this group in November following the vicar's retirement.
We meet in Margaret Clift's home and we express our sincere thanks to Margaret for her hospitality. With the merger we are a large group and our regular attendance is around the 10-12 mark. With the considerable variety in preachers on Sundays we have not had any study outlines provided but we have generally followed the theme of the previous Sunday service and have had some helpful and challenging discussions. We follow the study with a time of intercessory prayer and give thanks for prayers answered while continuing to pray for on-going situations.
I must say thank-you also to Lin Milne who has taken responsibility for the group when I have been away.

House Group: Jonathan Hicking

House Group: Marie Townsley

Coffee Break: Sylvia Hunter

Coffee Break continues with nine ladies. Meetings which are very well attended, begin with prayers, followed by a bible based discussion. Various members of the group take it in turn to lead, each one choosing her own topic, which usually leads to interesting and lively discussion. Occasionally we have a bible quiz. Once a month we attend church for the Thursday Holy communion when other church members join us. Social activities have been limited for various reasons. Just one event last year when we attended the ladies rally at Hilldale Mission. We consider each weekly meeting to be a social outing. Future plans are to continue weekly fellowship in a similar manner.

Noah's Ark: Jill Bithell

Assets as at 31st December 2007:
Closing Bank Balance £845.25
Petty Cash £128.84
Total Assets £974.09
Helpers: Frances McGucken, Lisa Walters (Spring & Summer Term), Deepika Hemmady, (Spring & Summer Term). From Autumn Term: Jill Bithell, Jan Mullen, Tammy Hewlett, Rachel Bartholomew, and Corinne Ainscough.
During 2007, Noah's Ark met on Wednesday mornings during School Term time, from 10.00-11.30 am in the Womens Institute in Parbold. It is an important meeting place for all those in the local community who care for and look after babies and toddlers.
We continue to attract 10-20 parents/grandparents/child-minders each session, so we are generally busy. We supply refreshments for parents and children and provide general unstructured free play for the children. Most weeks there is also some kind of activity, which the children are encouraged to participate in. This includes: making pictures, play-dough, card making, biscuit decorating and dressing up. On occasion, we have a storytime or musictime during the session which the children enjoy. During the year we have had a Phoenix Card sale, an Usbourne Book sale, and a Christmas party at Playmates, the Soft Play centre in Coppull.
From January 2008, the group has moved to a new venue in the school hall at Parbold Douglas School. This is still held on a Wednesday morning with a revised time of 9.45 am-11.15 am. This venue offers us a larger and brighter play space for the children, together with a more accessible storage arrangement for the toys.

Statement of accounts to be inserted

The Notice Board: Sandra Whittaker.

No financial outlay this year and none expected in the near future.
Trying to develop some consistency on the use of the noticeboards at present. The board situated nearest the door and headed Information is being used for reports and information coming from the Diocese. The board near the coffee area is for notices of events, concerts, courses etc and for letters from friends and past members of the fellowship.
Several times in the year the noticeboard by the coffee area has been covered with displays by the Sunday School. As we all enjoy seeing their work wouldn't it be more appropriate for them to have a display area of their own? This could then be in constant use and not interfere with people seeing notices relevant to them.
Coffee Rota: Frances McGucken

During the past year, the coffee rota has continued to operate very successfully.
We have been able to recruit some new members to the team which now numbers sixteen. There is no charge for the refreshments, which keeps the proceedings very simple. On many occasions the coffee time has been enhanced by celebration cakes, and sometimes wine (for baptisms, birthdays, wedding anniversaries etc). These contributions have given us all a treat and have been very much appreciated. The after-church refreshments create a real opportunity to chat, and get to know one another, and most especially newcomers.
Thank-you to all who help, please join the team if you would like to. Men are not prohibited.

Church flowers: Valerie Horn

SUMMARY ACCOUNTS FOR CHURCH FLOWERS

01.03.2007 - 12.03.2008

Brought Forward 105.49
Income 287.00

Total 392.49

minus Expenses 276.77

Cash in Hand 115.72

The period has been successful in that more people have been involved in helping prepare the Church for the major festivals at Easter and Christmas. In addition more people have provided flowers, or money to purchase flowers, throughout the year.
The Report for the previous year included the following -
'Whilst we are very grateful for the increased involvement, there remain opportunities for more people to become involved. Expertise in flower arranging is not necessary; enthusiasm and willingness can be guided!! At the time of the major festivals there is a need for not only people to arrange the flowers, but to help by assisting in cleaning up the mess the arrangers make, and to provide sustenance through frequent cups of tea !!'
and this remains true!! All help is appreciated and the more hands available, the lighter the load on all involved.
It should be noted that the account has £115.72 in hand at the end of this accounting period, this is an increase from the previous year of £10.23 and this has the effect that the Flower Fund has a limited 'cushion' to meet additional and unexpected expenses. Those responsible for the Flower Fund are grateful for the continued support of all those who make regular or occasional contributions.
Church grounds:

Reordering & renovation group:

Day School Governors: Brain McGucken

The past year has seen major change in the school with the retirement of Mr Fred Ladd, Headteacher for some 29 years. In recent years Mr Ladd has suffered from ill-health and the planned retirement event had to be cancelled because of this but a presentation was made on the last day of the summer term in recognition of his leadership and service.
The new Head Mr Paul Smith took up post in September, has settled in well and is beginning to put his own stamp on the school with several fresh initiatives.
On the academic front there were excellent results in the Key Stage 2 (Y6) SATs,
placing us near the top in the county.
With the current interest in promoting healthy eating for children it is pleasing to report that our school cook has reached the finals of the "School cook of the year" competition.
With the retirement of our vicar it was felt important to continue the Thursday morning whole school assembly which he had conducted, and this has been shared between Mike Graham and myself.
The governing body continues to work well and would wish to express thanks to the Old School Trust for continued financial support.
I believe one of Brian Harding's lasting legacies is the strong relationship which he patiently built between our church and school. Please pray that this will continue to grow, thereby giving many children in the village the opportunity of a firm spiritual foundation for their lives.

Douglas Old School Trustees: Frances McGucken/ Derek Ashcroft

The Trust has continued to administer the building which houses the Parbold Nursery School. The rent is paid into our account by Standing order each month.
The Church pays a contribution to the Nursery for the use of the building for the children's Sunday morning activities.
The income of the Trust is used from time to time to support our own young people in learning related activities and in the purchase of learning related equipment. The Trust also pays the sum of £6000 annually to the Governors' account, of Parbold Douglas C of E school
The statement of accounts is enclosed. For this we thank Jill Bithell who is acting as treasurer.

(N.B. From Editor The table showing the statement of accounts can be seen on Page 5.

Tearfund: Chris Burdett.

Prison fellowship: Barbara Long

The number of people taking the Prison Fellowship pray news letter over the past year has decreased. Although some of the spare prayer news letters are being taken by church members. If anyone wishes to take this news letter on a regular basis then please let me know.
This news letter is sent out monthly from the Prison Fellowship in Manchester at no cost to ourselves.

The Website (http://www.christchurchparbold.co.uk) : Michele Holliday

I continue to maintain the web site and in general manage to change the Events and Service Pages each week, insert new Newsletter Pages each month, and make changes to the Home Page photograph and the behind the door Celebration Pages and Photograph Albums fairly regularly.
I find working on the web site enjoyable but am very pleased that Sue Murrin-Bailey has volunteered to assist me. This help will mean that I no longer have to worry about the web site getting out of date when I go on holiday or am tied up with other commitments. Sue and I have not yet had chance to get together so that I can show her what needs to be done but we hope to do so soon.
I was very grateful for Marc Hickling's input in creating the Youth Pages. Now that he is no longer able to maintain them, we need to try and encourage a new member of the Youth Group to take over. In the meantime, I am hoping to get some help and suggestions from J08 during the next Sunday School sessions, so that we can freshen the pages and make them attractive to other young people outside the church.
Finally, much as I enjoy working on the web site, I continue to hope for more input from the whole church. In particular I think it would be useful if a creative team could be gathered together to consider ways of improving the layout and content of the site. Those involved wouldn't need to know how to work a computer or how to use web building software. All that is required are ideas from time to time about the spiritual content of the site and the wording to go on pages. The more people that take part and the more the web site really will be OUR CHURCH web site.