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The Congregational Board met in
the Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. and after reading and prayer, noting an
apology for absence, and approving the minutes of the previous
meeting, the Board considered the financial report which had been
prepared by the Treasurer, Karen. This was a good report with much to
get our teeth into. Written up to the end of November, the report
showed that with one month still to go we were only one hundred
pounds short of achieving our budgeted income for the year (and, as
some fund raising results for early December were already known, we
have easily passed our target for the year.) This was good news. As
expenditure was scrutinised it became clear that it looks as though
we shall end the year with a small surplus on our general account of
around £3,000. Now this is satisfactory, but it is probably
where we require to be in order to cope with next year when we shall
receive less aid from the central funds of the Church in our planned
move towards becoming a self-supporting congregation. The Board was
concerned, however, that Scottish Gas had still not been able to
explain why the electricity account issued to us was at considerable
variance with the estimate they had given us when they encouraged us
to appoint them as our supplier. Further discussion about our service
supplier will follow at our next meeting.
While open plate offerings and
donations have increased considerably, it was noted that while
givings by envelope are running at a level in excess of last year's
offerings, they are not keeping up with our budgeted figure. This is
a concern, as giving in this way is the basis of our financial
stability for the future - enveloped giving enables the Board to
plan, budget and have a reasonable idea of where we are going and is
much more sustainable than fund-raising. The Board agreed that a
Stewardship Campaign will be part of our programme for 2002 and
underlined its view that now, when our finances were in a good state,
was the time to act to ensure that the elements of Christian
stewardship are instilled within our congregation.
The Board agreed to make a
voluntary contribution of £200 towards the Church of Scotland
Mission and Aid scheme, to purchase carol booklets for the Watchnight
Service at a price of £20 and to pay half of the cost of
servicing the Church printing equipment (the other half will be paid
by our sister congregation at Luss). At the next meeting (on January
16th.) the Board will agree the Budget for next year.
Turning its attention to property,
the Board heard from Jimmy that several electrical jobs had been done
in the Church by Jimmy Heatherington who also hoped to have installed
the new light fittings by Christmas. The two remaining-to-be-restored
stained-glass windows had been removed and taken for restoration; new
gravel had been spread in the car park; hand-rails (the gift of Nan
Chappel) had been installed at the front door; non-slip paint had
been used on the back-door ramp; the heater in the Hall had been
repaired and discussions begun on ensuring disabled-access to all
parts of the Church both to comply with new legislation and because
it is an appropriate thing to do. Jimmy will discuss access with the
planning authority and bring plans to a future meeting of the Board.
It is envisaged that a disabled toilet will also be part of these plans.
Under the housekeeping report,
Retta told the Board that the Chancel chairs and stool had been
re-upholstered; the porch table french polished; the Chancel table
re-leathered; cradle-roll certificates and a leaded-window cupboard
installed on the hall walls; the Vestry was now complete and had been
handed over to the minister on the previous Sunday - spotless - and
with flowers on the windowsill. The Christmas tree was in place and
decorated and, looking forward to next year, the hall was pretty
thoroughly booked. Tom agreed to undertake a risk assessment of our
usage; Jimmy to purchase necessary fire-fighting equipment and a new
first-aid kit; and Retta to bring to the next meeting of the Board an
estimate and a recommendation for a new vacuum cleaner, the current
Dyson having proved unequal to its task.
Gill reported on the success of
the Fund Raising Committee. To date a total of £3,091 .48
(against a budget of £1,500) has been raised for the general
running costs of the Church, as follows:
Courtyard
Lunch
£200 .50
Helensburgh
Savoy
£137
Plant
Sale
£102 .02
Coffee
Morning
£530 .10
Smarties
£43 .15
Draws
£189
Fiddlers'
Rally
£609
Christmas
Fair
£1,045 .71
Memory Stars (to
date)
£235
What a lot of work - and how very
well everyone has supported our Church! Due to pressure of work,
Janine has left the committee and has been replaced by Mary Stone.
Considering Stewardship, the Board
recorded its pleasure at the success of the October exhibition of the
life of the Church, and of the special anniversary lunch. For this
committee (and for the Board as a whole) next year would be
'stewardship year' with an effort to concentrate on our weekly givings.
The Board also considered an
electric organ which is surplus to requirements and made provision
for giving this away. The Board also learned of a generous gift of
£200 towards the Restoration Fund from the author of a history
of Arrochar. Dane spoke of plans to raise additional funds for the
Restoration Fund by ensuring the return of VAT paid on the work of
restoring the listed Church; by establishing a Friends of Arrochar
Parish Church; and by creating a Bequest Tree for the future of the
building and its congregation. While not entirely the responsibility
of the Board, members were glad to learn of these plans which they
endorsed and were pleased to learn that there would be a meeting
early in the new year to take the plans forward.
The Board agreed that future
meetings would be held on Wednesday 16th. January (to set the budget
for 2002), Thursday 14th. March (to approve and finalise the accounts
for 2001), Wednesday 17th. April, Wednesday 12th. June, Wednesday
11th. September and Wednesday 11th. December. It was also agreed to
recommend to the Kirk Session that the Stated Annual Meeting be held
on Sunday 17th. March.
The meeting was closed with prayer
at 8.50 p.m. Everyone agreed it had been a good meeting and an
encouraging year for the Church. |