There was a healthy debate of this issue. The present system whereby housegroups take it in turns to clean the Church premises cannot continue (but thanks to all those in these groups, members and attenders, who have steadfastly kept us neat and tidy). Two options were put before the church: we pay outside contractors or we increase the numbers of volunteer helpers. Ideally we would be looking for at least 100 people to 'sign up' which would give us 20 teams of 5, each team cleaning two or three times per year. Given a membership of 200, this is well within our grasp! Certainly a lot at the QBM thought so, many reluctant to spend extra money on something we could do for ourselves, much preferring to invest it in youth or missionary work. At the vote, 65% were in favour of members doing it themselves, 25% for outside contractors and 10% couldn't make up their minds. We'll be in touch, as they say!
Alister Chapman as Pastoral Worker and Adam Joseph as Church Assistant finish their time with the church this summer. We are all very grateful for the work they have done. They have both been a great benefit to the fellowship. They are not lost to us yet, both staying on in Cambridge for at least another year. Jenny Bulger, who was interviewed by Julian at a recent Sunday morning will be joining us in September as Church Assistant having just spent a year in Belarus. We are also looking for a new Church Administrator. Roy Warnes has been in the job for 6 months but feels the role is not for him. If anyone is interested in the post, contact Roger Osborne or the office for details. Offers of help on the administration side will also be welcome for the period we are without an Administrator, Roy finishes on July 14th.
Julian will be on study leave from July 1st to August 2nd. It will be a time of prayer and reflection for him as he contemplates his first year as our Pastor, waiting on God's direction for himself and the Church. He will be planning the preaching programme for the next year as well as a seeking a vision for the Church as a whole. Graham Treece will also be taking a three month sabbatical from the diaconate as he contemplates impending fatherhood: our prayers will be with him and Sarah at this very special time. Tom Chapman will be available for pastoral care whilst Julian is on sabbatical, but sadly we will be saying farewell to him and Suzanne at the end of August when Tom takes up his post as pastor at Surrey Chapel. A farewell event is planned for Monday, August 26th.
We asked for comments on what people thought of our special outreach month. One significant observation was the need to arrange more low key events, such as coffee shops and quiz nights to which people could be encouraged as a first step to coming into the church. We were also asked to consider whether it was time to change from a special month of focus to making outreach a regular feature throughout the year in our Church life.
For the 25 week period to June 30 actual income is about 8% below budget. The actual income is higher than that achieved in the equivalent period in 2001, when the budget target was also higher. Expenditure is just below budget. In summary no great cause for concern but unlike last year, there is no intended intervention from the Maskell Bequest to make up any shortfalls. Members are again encouraged to ensure their giving is as tax efficient as possible, currently 70% giving is tax efficient.
As you know, John and Rebecca Hayward are expecting their second child and are returning to the UK for the birth. We are planning to provide accommodation for them in the Manse once Tom and Suzanne have moved, but we need furniture. If you have any appropriate items which can be given permanently or temporarily please get in touch with Steve Beasley who is deacon with responsibility for the Manse.