TRIO
In the light of the worryingly large and increasing shortfall in the finances of the parish, the PCC decided to hold a Stewardship Campaign. The TRIO Scheme (The Responsibility Is Ours) was chosen and a small working group, made up of representatives from the three churches, met regularly to plan the campaign; Eric Sutcliffe, Don Pines and Lyn Underwood (Parish Church), Graham Baber, Peter Cottey and Tony Clack (Holy Trinity) and Sheila Muir (St Lawrence). The team worked extremely hard and efficiently over the months culminating in Pledge Sunday on October 7th 2007.

From each of our three congregations ‘contacts’ were chosen. Their rôle was to each keep a small number of parishioners informed of the TRIO campaign, making sure that they received all the relevant  information. The crucially important part played by the Contacts cannot be stressed to often. They provided and continue to provide a valuable link, especially in the pastoral sense, which will prove to be invaluable as we seek to broaden the pastoral care that the church has for the people of Cirencester.

The impressive Power-Point presentation which was shown in all three churches, spelt out, with great clarity, just how far we were falling short of what is needed to sustain the mission of the Christian church in Cirencester. As a parish we were struggling to meet our ‘housekeeping bills’ (Clergy stipends, clergy housing, heating and lighting the three churches etc.) and there was nothing left to expand the work of mission and outreach to those as yet outside the fellowship of the church.

The worshippers of our churches responded generously to the challenge, not only to cover the estimated shortfall (£19,000) but to increase giving to allow the church to plan and work for mission and outreach. To date sufficient money has been pledged. A truly wonderful response and an answer to the prayers of many.

There have been many ‘pluses’ resulting from TRIO. Certainly with the help of the Contacts we all know our fellow worshippers better! We now have an up-to-date list of all those who attend our three churches. This will, we hope, be updated regularly and the Parish Office would be grateful for any names of new worshippers in our churches.

It would be very sad, and a missed opportunity, to let the momentum of the TRIO campaign be lost. So much goodwill was engendered and as a Parish we must build on it. Surely it is particularly important pastorally, as we pray for the appointment of a new Vicar for Cirencester and as we work and witness through this interregnum. A meeting for Contacts was held on February 1st 2008. They were thanked for their very important contribution to the TRIO initiative. It was enormously encouraging to hear from them that they are willing to carry on in their role of caring concern and fellowship. There was overwhelming support for an annual service of Renewal and Rededication.

TRIO was always about more than the urgent need to raise funds. It was always about the mission and pastoral care too. Certainly these aspects of Christian Stewardship were to the fore in our planning and all our work.

Personally I want to record by gratitude to the TRIO Working Group and its able Minute Secretary, Jenny Hopegood, for making my role as chairman both easy and enjoyable. May God continue to bless all our endeavours as we strive to make his love known to the people of His world.                                                                                             

Pat Harris

PARISH CHURCH SACRISTY AND SERVERS’ REPORT
We have had a good year.   Server numbers have remained constant, although we would always welcome new members.

The Sacristy has been busy, especially as Irene as been ill and unable to assist.   Bill and Sharon have left:  they helped occasionally with verging.   I should like to thank the others who help in the Sacristy – Dan and Sue, and our Churchwardens, Elizabeth and Martin, who are always there when we need them.

When the work on the pinnacles was complete, we were able to have six open days for the Tower, raising £1,186 – thanks to all who helped.   With some of the money raised, we bought a couple of cassocks and albs and a cord.   We were also able to buy two veil and burse sets for St. Lawrence.

We have been promised a donation from a member of the congregation to allow us to have the best White Comper Chasuble and Cope restored.   They are over a hundred years old and the base silk has yellowed and rotted.   This will be identically replaced and the embroidery re-affixed.   They are both now with Watts of London to be examined and a quote given.

We also had a party in the Autumn for Servers, Clergy and partners, held at the Old Grammar School, and all had a great time – with marvellous food, thanks to Elizabeth and Michael Gledhill.

I should like to finish with a big Thank You to all the Servers for their loyalty, and say that we are all thinking of and praying for Irene through her long illness, and for Fr. James and family.
                                                                                                  
Brian Bruton 

PARISH CENTRE OUTREACH LUNCHES
For a variety of reasons Mary Macdonald and I decided to hang up our aprons in August.  At the instigation of Father Michael Channell we started the lunches in June 2000. The idea was that they would provide a meeting point for parishioners, and their friends, and also support lesser known good causes which didn't necessarily have widespread local support. By general agreement these aims have been achieved  -  the lunches have been very well attended, and over £25,000 raised for a variety of charities.

Mary and I have been very well supported by a wonderful team of helpers, without whom we could not have managed and we would like to record our thanks again to everyone.

Our last lunch in August was very well attended and both Mary and I were overwhelmed by the presentations made to us , for which we thank everyone.

We are pleased that Jenny Whiddett is to carry on the lunches and we wish her well.
Very many thanks to all our friends.                            
                                                             Mary Macdonald and Alison Gunary

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my family and me. I am married to Robert, the owner of Whiddett’s bakery. We have three children and two cake shops. Both Robert and I are busy people so you can understand that it took me a month to say yes to taking over the lunches, which had been run since the year 2000 by Mary and Alison. We had a few long chats about my taking over and I can say I was so scared, since I had never cooked for so many people before. Would I cope? Well, my first lunch was in September 2007. Sixty-nine people came and  lots of things went through my mind. Was this a good turn out? We took £300, so, yes, I was pleased. In October my husband attended a prayer and Bible week so I was unable to cook that week since I was kept busy with the shops and the family. Anyway, I decided that I would not let people down so I arranged  the November lunch. This time, ninety-two people came. I was so happy with the outcome that I thought I would offer to do a Christmas lunch. The only worry was how many turkeys to cook! To help us we sold tickets. This worked well and we managed two sittings, raising £1000. Thank you for all the wonderful support and letters of encouragement.

May I thank all the ladies that have offered to help me and made me feel welcome. This would not be possible without your help. Thank you to Peter, Katie and Howard who always steer me in the right direction. I ask God for all his direction and that we have many more lunches together.
                                                                                            
Jennifer Whiddett
                
                                           
LITTLE ANGELS (Thursdays 2.00p.m. at the Parish Church)
 Little Angels continues to attract a large number of pre-school children accompanied by mums, grannies, carers and even a few dads!

Everyone seems to enjoy the familiar format for this short service in the Trinity Chapel. Although the children are very lively during the songs and they ‘chat’ to the resident bear, Teddy John, they are learning to be quiet for the prayers and the story time.

The highlight last June was the picnic and the loving farewell to Katie McClure. Forty-one children attended to present cards and gifts to Katie who had done so much to nurture them and their mums.

The Nativity in church was a delight and the party was most enjoyable. Gary Cowley deserves a special mention. He is always willing to don the costume as the party’s special guest, Father Christmas.

Recently Little Angels played an important part in the All Age Service for Mothering Sunday and it was lovely to see so many young families in church. Our thanks go to everyone connected with Little Angels, especially Margaret Johnson and her team of Mothers’ Union helpers.
                                                                                                    
Janet Ogden

TRINITY KIDS
‘Trinity Kids’ meets on Sundays during term-time, in the Church Hall, Watermoor. We are also integral to the monthly All-Age monthly service.

We explore the Bible through stories, drama, crafts and games. We then come into church to share in the communion service with the rest of the congregation.

Toddlers have the pre-school corner in church where they can enjoy colouring, sticking, books and other activities with Hilary.

At the end of the service we usually enjoy a good flag-waving procession around the church.One of the year’s highlights for Trinity Kids was the Nativity play and, subsequently, the Epiphany party.

There are many committed volunteers who run Trinity Kids and they always welcome new children and parents.
 
Dawn Miller

F.O.G. CLUB REPORT 2007 – 2008
 
F.O.G. Club is a happy place. We have continued this year with a programme of teaching and learning through reference to the Scriptures, discussion, prayer, drama, singing, games, art and craft and the occasional video. We try where possible to stay in line with the rest of the church, matching our work to the Gospel according to particular Sundays. Sometimes bits and pieces get taken home; sometimes banners or posters go on display – masterpieces for the   F.O.G. Club notice board in church!  It is gratifying to see that the older children are now not too shy to read aloud in public, and that even older ones are expert acolytes, servers or crucifers.

A little bit of tweaking here and there has allowed us to continue to fly the F.O.G.  Club flag despite our shrunken premises. We soldier on with our  little troops  and  Mark and Giselle,  our friends from afar,  continue to benefit from our giving through the Philippine Community Fund.

A highlight of the year was the “Christmas Experience”. A day course in Barnwood was a really valuable (and fun!) time for several of us. Designed by the Diocese this project furnished us with a super springboard for three Sunday mornings, exploring different facets of the Christmas story in a novel and interactive way. The story from Advent to Epiphany (with real live incense) engaged the children in a visual and hands-on way and was stimulating and moving too for the many mums and dads who were there. Angel-bearing cards with peace messages were freely distributed amongst the congregation back at church and so the message was seen to be spreading.  Christmas culminated as ever in the Crib Service, known to all of Cirencester, attracting people from far and wide, so they know what the season is really about.

Seemingly hot on its heels a joyful Mothering Sunday service managed to mingle millions of Little Angels, F.O.G. Club, older teenagers and even (hoorah!) choristers in a lively act of worship, with plenty of chances for the tinies to get off their wriggling bottoms. It is glorious and so very special to have them all at the altar to witness the preparation of the Eucharist.

The Rev’d Sandra Millar, inspired and inspirational, is our charismatic and “nearly” new Diocesan children’s officer, full of life and laughter. A Saturday with her in Watermoor Church Hall in February left everyone in her orbit enthused and  reinvigorated. It will be a treat to welcome her for April’s All Age service.

To backtrack to Christmas – as usual our party was great fun with lots of food and frolics and this year it was full of surprises too. How could so many secrets be kept for so long? The outgoing “old guard” was celebrated in quite some style and presented with personal “dossiers” artistically decorated, and filled with farewell messages, photos, drawings, paintings and cards. We were given lovely presents, flowers and a bottle of bubbly to boot! Thanks unbounded go to everyone who had a hand in all of this……we were overwhelmed…….

The children continue to be cared for by new leaders – old hands actually – who have been part of this club for many years and so mercifully fit the flavour already. Let us all pray in earnest for them and the youngsters  in their care.                                                                                   Mo Shepherd

SOCIAL EVENTS REPORT
Here we go again and I start with thanking all who help with the posters, tickets etc. Without their help our job would not be so easy.

First event and it was “with great pleasure” that the Vicar entertained with the help of Teresa Davis a most enjoyable evening of music and readings. May and the parish hall at Watermoor is 35years old. So we had a birthday party celebrating the 70’s. There was a hippy assistant Vicar, two longhaired hippies, a recycled teenager, and a lot of rejected flower power people. Thank you all for making the night so enjoyable.  Trinity Sunday and a picnic in the parsonage garden, and the sun shone. June! The weather wet, but the midsummer feast WONDERFUL.

July and 53 Pilgrims travelled to Well’s Cathedral, what a lovely day. August, St Lawrence BBQ the sun shone and St Lawrence was full of people enjoying good company, hot dogs and burgers cooked by Bob and Phil; thank you. Harvest and the hog roast. A great success due to a good pig and lovely apple pies. November and a journey to the Thames Head Inn for a game of skittles. What a special evening with two of our senior members showing no matter how old you are you can still have fun, well done Betty and Blanche. January and a big thank you to Roger and Alison Brown for what was a most enjoyable talk on what must be the coldest place on earth. February and 350 PANCAKES cooked. Thanks to every one who tossed and served but there must be a big thank you to Warwick for making the mix which was supplied by Jenny Whiddett - thank you very much. 

That’s it the year has gone. All I can say is a big, big thank you to all who serve on the committee. Without them we would not have so much fun. If any one would like to join our happy band please do not be shy, speak to me, John Lawrence (HT) or any of the committee.

God bless - hope to see you soon.
                                               
John Lawrence (social committee chairman).

PARISH CENTRE REPORT
Bookings have held up well in the later part of 2007, and are in fact higher than in Spring of the year.  Hire rates were re-assessed at the end of 2006.

The main event of the year was the moving of the Parish Office into the Gosditch and Forum Rooms, which took place at the end of August.  The consequent reduction in letting space and in the areas available for the FoG Club on Sunday mornings have been accommodated, though not without difficulties in the transition period.  New shelving was provided in the store room and in the shed to house FoG club and Open-the-Book materials.

The Centre had acquired a large surplus of chairs, due to a reduction in the permitted number of persons in the Abbey Room and the fact that the Gosditch Room no longer had a seating requirement.   As a result we were able to send nearly 70 chairs to St Lawrence Church.

Some exterior painting and renovation in the toilets was done; it is hoped that the Abbey Room can be redecorated in 2008. Monthly charity lunches have continued under new management; with the profits from the final two lunches under the old management being given to the Centre for redecoration or the purchase of any necessary new equipment.  The amount given was £855.  In addition the Parish Social Committee decided in January 2008 to offer their 2007 income surplus  of £880 to the Parish Centre. The two contributions are being held primarily to help fund the Abbey Room redecoration, although one new chairs trolley has also been purchased. The permanent exhibition of their work by Cirencester Art Society continues.

The garden attached to the Centre is maintained largely by volunteer labour.  We feel church members could make more use of this garden and its gravestones for social events, especially during the long dry spells expected in future from climate change!
                                                                                       

Alastair  Macdonald

PARISH OFFICE

The major event in the development of the Parish Office this year was, of course, the move to the Parish Centre. Although there was some concern about loss of revenue to the Parish Centre, we have been able to accommodate all our usual clients into the other two rooms in the Centre. Since we are ‘on site’ we have also been able to show potential hirers the actual Centre which has led to further bookings. Compared with the same period last year, income from bookings, this year, has risen by three hundred percent.

There is no doubt in our minds that the environment in the Centre is far more  conducive to Parish Administration and the number of visitors to our office has increased this year. Katie and Howard now work the same hours so we are both accessible for visitors 9.30 – 1pm every week-day. Visitors no longer need to climb steep stairs and push-chairs do not now block our exits. The only drawback is the smell of the drains that occasionally permeates the building and continues to evade our efforts to track down its source. Our old office at 1 Coxwell Street has been taken over as the Campaign Office for the raising of funds for the refurbishment of the Parish Church.

The role of the office is gradually changing. The PCC has recommended that the post of ‘Office Manager’ be restructured to ‘Parish Administrator’ which really means taking on more jobs and additional responsibility. Katie and Howard have divided up some of the administrative jobs but Katie continues to be the first point of contact regarding financial queries. We also extend our services to the Deanery churches and to the work of Churches Together, so we are kept busy.

Howard composed an Office Development Plan during the year which was summarised by the Vicar and presented to the PCC. Based on the mnemonic TRUST it considers what the roles of the administrative team are, where the responsibilities lie, ensures that we all understand what these roles and responsibilities are and how they relate to each other, what support structures are needed when people are away or ill and finally the all important area of talking and communication.

Our volunteers are highly valued and we continue to be extremely grateful to Aileen, Heather, Margaret and Eileen who give up their mornings to help, fold, photocopy, collate booklets and even deliver the pew leaflets to church. Thank you to them and to all who call in. It’s always good to see you.
                                                                 
Howard Gray and Katie Bannister