THE CHURCH IN WALES
YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU
Annual Vestry Report
For year ended
31st December 2016
Parish Mission Prayer
Father, pour out your Spirit
upon the people of this parish,
and grant us
a new vision of your glory,
a new experience of your power,
a new faithfulness to your word,
and a new consecration
to your service,
that your love
may grow among us
and your kingdom come;
through Jesus Christ,
our Lord. Amen.
Minutes of AVM held on Sunday 24th April 2016
Living Faith Course
Coity Church Choir
Nolton Church Choir
Coity Church Bellringers
Twinning Link with the Church of Sweden
Parish Recorder Group
Mothers’ Union
Tuesday Fellowship
Coity Church Flower Club
Report on Conferences
Events Committee
Fabric Committee – 2016
And that’s not all…
Description of the Parish
Objectives
Administrative Information
Members of the Parochial Church Council for 2016/2017
Organisation of Parochial Church Council
The Mission Sub Committee
The Communications Sub Committee
Finance Sub Committee
Fabric Sub Committee
Electoral Roll
Parish Sunday Services
PCC Report andFinancial Statements
for the year endedDecember31st2016
The Annual Vestry gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on how well we have achieved our aim of working with God to build up his Kingdom in the area served by our parish.
Often it can seem as if we are working hard to uphold the institution of the Church rather than to increase its effectiveness as an agent of transformation in the world, but that is a consequence of its being a relatively large, diverse and complex organisation.
It is the Anglican philosophy to try and have a physical presence in every community, with that presence usually being symbolised and expressed through the church building. Today there is a need for us to consider how our buildings can be more frequently and effectively used in and by our communities, but it remains the case that our beautiful churches, with their innate sense of peace and tranquillity, are places which many people recognise as being sacred spaces.
Nevertheless, our churches are not the Church, and our work must always ultimately have a human focus. The following report gives a summary of many (but not necessarily all) of the activities undertaken in the parish, each of them in their own way contributing to the work of outreach, mutual care or other dimension of the Christian life which we are called to follow.
I would like to record my thanks to all those who in any way contribute to the mission and ministry of the local Church – without you so much of what we achieve would not be possible.
May God continue to bless us in this coming year.
The Reverend Canon Michael Komor, Rector
Minutes of AVM held on Sunday 24thApril2016
Apologies:John O’Leary, Glenys O’Leary, Jo Blackwell, David Sullivan, Huw Jones, Dick Shenton, Cath Shenton, Revd Jayne Shaw, Allan Shaw, Revd Pauline Smith
1.The meeting was preceded with Holy Eucharist at 10am in St Mary Coity
2.The AVM opened at 12.15pm with Parish Prayer led by Father Michael
3.Apologies received were read by Secretary
4.The Rector was in the Chair and warmly welcomed everyone to the AVM 2016
The Rector opened with an expression of thanks to all who had worked so hard in the service of God and the Church: The Staff members, Jayne and Pauline, Father Barry and the Readers in the Parish which help enhance the range of services in the Parish.
Thanks to the Parish wardens. Linda Jenkins has completed 6 years of service and should be rightly proud of the many services she has carried out. Linda has been exemplary in the role as an intermediary between the people in the parish and the clergy. The role of the church warden which is unseen by many people, which she has taken on and pastoral duties which she has ensured are carried out supported so well by her husband Gwyn. A gift was presented by the Rector in recognition of their service and as a thank you for all their hard work and dedicated service.
Glenda has brought a level of spirituality and groundedness to her role over the last year which we are thankful for. Sub wardens have carried out their duties with joy and cheer.
Mel has taken on the role of treasurer under difficult circumstances.
To all PCC members and all the people who carry out roles in all the organisations and services within the Parish. We are grateful to everyone for all they do.
The future is likely to see the development of Diocesan Ministry areas. Diocese is keen to develop Ministry areas to suit the requirements of each area. While there is uncertainty how this will develop, our task will be to listen to God’s voice and follow faithfully in his footsteps.
5.Minutes of previous Annual Vestry Meeting as published in Annual report were received by the AVM and accepted as a true record.
6.The Annual Report had been issued, thanks to those who had submitted reports on Parish groups and activities. There were two amendments to the published report:
Page 12; Dr Susy Rogers was omitted from the list of elected PCC members
Page 13 Current number on electoral roll is 194.
The Mission report was accepted with those amendments.
7. Thanks to Mel Oglesbee and Keith Jones for preparing the Annual Financial report and accounts and to the Independent Examiner, Ewan Grant. The annual accounts were accepted as presented.
Elections:
Parish Wardens: Philippa Coulson was elected People’s Warden. Glenda Davies was appointed Rector’s Warden.
Subwardens: Dave Godin was elected Subwarden at Brackla, Gaynor Coles was appointed subwarden at Brackla, Nader Omidvar was elected Subwarden at Coity, Fred Custerson was appointed Subwarden at Coity, Dr Susy Rogers was elected Sub Warden at Nolton, Keith Jones was appointed Sub Warden at Nolton
PCC members: There was no ballot for PCC as there were only16 nominations,all were elected
All Sidespersons listed were appointed
Representative to Diocesan Conference - Huw Jones has indicated he does not wish to continue in this role. Gwyn Jenkins proposed Linda Jenkins, seconded by Dr Susy Rogers. Linda Jenkins was elected
Deanery Conference representatives- 5 members. Chris Judd, Glenda Davies, Linda Jenkins, Philippa Coulson, Gaynor Coles, with Dr Susy Rogers, Mel Oglesbee, and Gwyn Jenkins as reserves
8.Ewan Grant has indicated he does not wish to continue as Independent examiner of its accounts so an Independent examiner will need to be identified and agreed by PCC.
There was no other business. The meeting was declared Closed at 12:15 with the Grace
Living Faith Course
The Living Faith group continues to meet fortnightly for our regular bible study. This Year we have been studying the Reshaping Church. This module has taken longer than the others to complete as the subject has many aspects we have found interesting and challenging. The group continue to have lively and interesting discussions around the subject matter, often with as many viewpoints as there are people in the group! As part of the course we paid a visit to Wells Cathedral and will each give a short presentation on our thoughts about it at the end of the course. It is a privilege to lead such a committed and lively group and to see them develop in both knowledge and faith. They have worked through concepts that are challenging to either faith, intellect or both and have come through with a stronger, more mature faith as a result. Well done to all…only one more module to go!
Glenda Davies
Coity Church Choir
The choir continues to lead the worship on Sunday mornings, occasionally at Evensong and Taizé services, and at Mattins once a month, and joined with Nolton choir for the Harvest Festival Evensong in October.
The year has been one of sadness and joy. David Sullivan, a much loved and faithful member died after a long illness. He is very much missed by us all.
The choir sang at several weddings during the year, the most memorable being the marriage of chorister Mel and churchwarden Glenda in September. Congratulations to them both, it was a privilege to join in their celebrations on such a joyous occasion.
In February the choir held their annual dinner at The Old Cottage in Bridgend and, as in previous years, hosted one of the lunches during Lent and Advent. Once again the choir supported the Christmas Tree Festival with a tree depicting the story of the Nativity, and contributed to the music programme on the final day of the festival.
During the year the choir has welcomed the return of former choristers Nicole Gravenor and Elizabeth French following completion of university courses.
The service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Advent 4 was enjoyed by all. It began as usual with a lantern procession preceded by a tea party in the hall. The soloist at the service was Elizabeth French.
The choir is indebted to our regular organists Russell Lock, Hilary Johns and Joanne Blackwell and to Susan Hawthorne for stepping in when required.
My personal thanks to the choir and organists for their commitment and support of all our activities and to the clergy and congregation for their encouragement.
Mari Dixon
Nolton Church Choir
The choir continues to sing at Choral Eucharist and Evensong each Sunday through the year and at other services at certain festivals. In 2016 anthems were sung in Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter, Pentecost, Harvest and Remembrance Sunday.
The Harvest Evening service was a joint service and the combined choirs of St. Mary, Coity and St. Mary Nolton performed the anthem “Praise the Lord O Jerusalem” by the composer J H Maunder.
On Monday 26 September, the choir sang at the special service with members of the Swedish Link Church when the signing of the link took place.
Services of Nine Lessons and Carols are the highlight of the year and these were held atEaster and at Christmas. At the Christmas service the choir sang four special items of Christmas music as well as leading all the usual congregational carols. The choir also sang at the Live Music performances of the Tree Festival early in December.
The choir dinner was held in October at the Cottage Restaurant in Bridgend and our thanks go to Mrs Karen Phillips who made all the arrangements for this event.
I would like to express my thanks to the choir members for their continued support through the year and especially to Father Michael for his involvement, help and encouragement in all that we do for the music of St. Mary Nolton.
John Davies
Coity Church Bellringers
Members
This year we had one new member join us Sheila Bowen unfortunately a long serving member Helen Henson retired. The membership now comprises 12 Adults and 1 Student who are all members of the Llandaff and Monmouth association of Church Bell Ringers.
We ring for Morning and Evening services also for Weddings.
Ringing Trips
(1)The Spring trip on Saturday 16th April we rang at Pendoylan (6 Bells), Peterston Super Ely (6 Bells) and finally St. Hilary (6 bells). Lunch was then enjoyed at the Bush Inn.
(2)Autumn trip on Saturday 22nd October we visited the area around Caerleon ringing at Llantarnam (6Bells), Llanfrechfa (8 Bells), Tredunock (6 Bells) and Caerleon (8 Bells). We then had a splendid lunch at the Red Lion. In the afternoon some visited the Museums and Roman Amphitheatre.
Weddings
We rung for 11 weddings at Coity, 1 at Laleston and 1 at Newton Nottage.
Hand Bells
The Hand Bell Team practice regularly during the winter months. We rang for Mel and Glenda’s Wedding on the 17th of September, at the Christmas Tree Festival on the 3rd of December at Nolton (We entered a tree), also rang for the Carol Service at Coity on the 18th of December.
Quarter Peals
(1)To celebrate Fred Custersons’ 80th Birthday we rang 1280 changes of Grandsire doubles in 44 Minutes on Saturday the 3rd of September.
(2) To celebrate the marriage of Tower members Mel and Glenda we rang 1260 changes of Plain Bob Doubles in 43 Minutes on Saturday 17th of September.
(3) Rang half muffled on Sunday 13th of November 1260 changes of Plain Bob doubles for Evensong on Remembrance Sunday in 43 minutes.
Striking Competition
This year was held at Cadoxton, we did not enter.
Social Events
Our AGM was held at the Sycamore Inn on Wednesday 23rd March followed by an excellent meal. On Wednesday 31st August the ringers enjoyed a meal together at the Cherry Laurel pub. On Friday the 2nd of December the Annual Christmas Dinner was held at the Sycamore Inn for some 18 ringers and friends. We had an excellent meal. On Wednesday the 21st of December a “Nibbles Night” was held in the Tower washed down with Bucks Fizz.
New Year
We finished the year in the traditional way by ringing out the old year, striking midnight, then ringing in the New Year. Celebrated with Mince pies washed down with Bucks Fizz
Thank You
To the Ringers for their loyal support at Practice, Weddings and Church services throughout the year. Mel for the events at the pubs and his treasurer duties. Philip `for his Vice Captain duties and for arranging the Autumn Trip Towers. Philippa for arranging the Spring Trip. Rowena our Tower Secretary.
Practice Times
Tower Bells - Wednesdays 7.15 to 8.45 pm.
Hand Bells - Sundays 4.45 to 5.30 (Winter Months only)
Service ringing on Sundays.
Morning 9.00 to 9.25.am.
Evening 5.30 to 5.55 pm.
If anyone would like to ring please contact me on 01656 659741 or in Church.
Fred CustersonTower Captain
Twinning Link with the Church of Sweden
On 25th and 26th September 2016, we welcomed to the benefice the Rev Fredrik Fagerberg and four lay people (Ivar, Birgitta and Bengt) from our twin parish of Balinge in the Diocese of Uppsala. During a packed couple of days our visitors experienced Messy Church at Nolton, Evensong at Coity, a school Eucharist at AJL and a pub lunch at Coychurch, as well as a visit to Llandaff Cathedral and Cardiff Bay.
The visit ended with a special Eucharist at Nolton, during which Fredrik preached and the formal link agreement between the benefice and Balinge was signed. Special thanks are due to Iona and Richard Logan, and Fr Mike and Anne, for hosting our guests; to John Tarran, the staff and children at AJL for their warm welcome; to Peter Craven for helping at Coychurch; and to John Davies and the Nolton choir for leading the singing at the twinning Eucharist.
As a visible sign of our new friendship and our commitment to praying for each other, our visitors gave us an icon of the Holy Family which now hangs in Nolton church. It is hoped to organise a return trip to Balinge during 2017, and hopefully this will be the start of a long and happy collaboration between the benefice and our Lutheran friends.
Huw Gwyn Jones Benefice Reader
Parish Recorder Group
The parish recorder groups continue to meet weekly during term time.
Our beginners are keen and have progressed to the point where we need to find another name for the group. It has a mix of age ranges, including many children who are learning alongside their parents or grandparents. These players have performed in public on a number of occasions through the year.We are always very pleased to welcome new members.
The more advanced group plays a wide range of music on descant, treble, tenor and bass recorders, and it has been a delight to see members develop their talent over a period of years, to the point where there are some very skilled and able musicians among their number, particularly the younger members.
I would like to thank the members for their continued weekly support and also those additional players who help us out for special events. Also, thanks to Elizabeth Mitchell for sitting in as another adult supervisor, and to Jo Blackwell for providing piano accompaniment whenever she is asked.
Anne Komor
Mothers’ Union
The Mothers’ Union branch of this parish remains very strong.
There are two meetings a month, the first on the second Thursday with our Corporate Communion service held in Nolton at 10am. This is then followed by fellowship in the Hall.
Our second meeting is held on the third Tuesday of the month, in the Dunraven Room in Nolton Hall at 2pm, when we have a speaker or some other items of interest, eg a Quiz, Cream Tea, Harvest Tea, Carols and Readings, and also our annual Day Trip in September. We also now hold a Branch Dinner in a restaurant of our choice.
The Bridgend Deanery holds special services during the year. The Deanery Festival is always held at the beginning of May and Advent Service in early December. A minibus is generally hired for these services.
Primarily the MU is dedicated to prayer and worship, and to commending Christian ideals of marriage and family life in society. This is not an easy task these days, but it remains one that is worthwhile.
We pray that the year ahead will bring many blessings to us as a group, and we do welcome anyone who is interested in joining us.
Mary Phillips
Tuesday Fellowship
During the course of the year Tuesday Fellowship travelled far and wide. In January we experienced Borneo with Charlotte and Peter Komor, in May we cruised the high seas with Ann and Tom Turner and in June Stuart and Trish Davidson shared their experiences of living and working in Papua new Guinea.