ST PETER AND ST PAUL, SHOREHAM
Parochial Church Council
2025-2026
MINUTES OF THE FIFTH MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY 8 DECEMBER 2025
AT 5PM IN THE CHURCH ROOM
Members:
Johnny Aisher - Churchwarden - Chair
Bryan Harris - Apol
Kevin Andrews
Bill Lattimer - Treasurer
Audrey Arthur
James Saynor - Secretary
Ann Ball - Deputy Churchwarden
Elaine Scott - Churchwarden
1. Opening prayer and apologies for absence
Bryan sent apologies. The meeting was opened with a prayer by Bill.
2. Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the meeting on 13 October were agreed. No conflicts of interest were noted.
3. New Priest in Charge
3.1. The Revd Caroline Mills. The meeting warmly welcomed as a guest the newly appointed Priest in Charge at St Peter and St Paul, the Revd Caroline (Caz) Mills, who was to be licensed and installed on 15 December at a service in the church led by Bishop Jonathan. Johnny said that the months-long process of appointment had been a successful one, with only slight delays during the year. He was pleased that there had only been one round of interviews and said the diocese sought any comments on the procedures. Caz thanked the PCC for welcoming her and for the gifts she received, and said she felt strongly that God had called her to minister at Shoreham.
3.2. Administrator. Our new Parish Administrator, Erin Fung, had settled in well and was happy to take on further tasks.
4. Ministry and mission
4.1. Services/Christmas. The Revd Adie McCall would work with Caz at Christmas services. It was agreed to split the collection at Christingle between the Children’s Society and the church, and to make sure that gifts left by children were effectively distributed.
4.2. December 14 and 15. Bill had created a useful list of tasks for the busy two days covering the Carol Service, Stay and Play in the church and Caz’s installation service. Further tasks were distributed.
4.3. PCC role at Christmas. Johnny noted that, at this busiest time of the year, we should all be alert to support and welcome newcomers to the church and those that might need help.
5. Finance and stewardship
5.1. Treasurer’s report. Bill had circulated a report analysing receipts and payments in the General Fund. He now projected a 2025 deficit of about £3,000. Next year might look a little less positive, partly because we have caught up with Gift Aid receipts and would have to pay council tax on the vicarage after the Interregnum. Fees for weddings and funerals would be shared with the diocese, while money would be saved on visiting clergy.
5.2. Parish Offer. Bill’s report offered a breakdown of our funds and assets, plus details of the sum requested from the diocese in their 2026 Indicative Offer – namely, £45,151. He projected that we might make a surplus of about £31,000 next year in the theoretical absence of Offer payments, money which could therefore go towards our Offer. After discussion, it was unanimously resolved to make a Parish Offer of £38,000 – suggesting that the challenge in 2026 was to boost our income beyond Bill’s projection and/or make new savings, which together might equate to about £7,000. This improvement in our outlook might come from a new stewardship campaign, delaying a projected outward giving payment of £3,000, and saving money on insurance, electricity and possibly organist costs. Audrey suggested we might also approach the parish council for churchyard costs, as we have in the past. The aim would be to avoid taking money from the Growth and Enhancement Fund to top up a deficit in the General Fund.
6. Fabric
6.1. Updates. The DAC Secretary had said she would shortly send paperwork so we could begin consultation on the font move. Formal permission for us to install the new heating “blowers” on the south wall was awaited.
6.2. Piano. Johnny reported that he was now looking into securing the legs of the piano with an A-frame, which would cost £500 to £550, with money generously provided by the Friends.
6.3. Vicarage. Works by the diocese had been completed and Caz had moved in. She was chasing the diocese to fix a shower issue. Those who had done weeding and clearing in the garden during the Interregnum were thanked.
7. Churchyard
7.1. General. Ann and Elaine were monitoring the state of graves. The Fabric Committee was still to discuss new path lighting.
7.2. Grass cutting. Three quotes had come from contractors, ranging from about £200 to £250 per cut, and Johnny would circulate a paper for the next meeting. Audrey recommended one of the contractors, who did work at Eynsford.
8. Information updates
8.1. Safeguarding. There had been a very good Safeguarding Sunday. Erin would manage our entries on a new safeguarding portal.
8.2. Deanery Synod. There had been a Deanery Synod on 16 October.
8.3. PCC membership. Kevin was welcomed to his first PCC meeting. Lindsey MacRae had announced that she was stepping down from the PCC and she was thanked for her many valuable contributions, both at meetings and outside them. A replacement member might be sought from one of the families newly involved with the church. Caz said she could raise the vacancy with the congregation from the front of the church.
8.4. Stewarding. Johnny was working on documents.
9. AOB
9.1. Coffee and Chat. It was agreed to discuss the monthly Friday event in the New Year. Soup and rolls might be provided at the gathering during Lent.
The meeting closed at about 7pm.
Action points
Johnny to prepare paper on grass-cutting (7.2) and stewarding/user documents (8.4)
Next meeting: Monday 26 January at 7pm.
Later meetings: 30 March, 11 May, 6 July, 7 September, 19 October, 7 December.
[APCM: Sunday 19 April]
2026 Christmas meal: 14 December.
(agreed version, with redaction for reasons of confidentiality, of 14.12.25)