Paul Hardingham continues his new series.
What’s the Big Idea? An Introduction to the Books of the Old Testament:
1 and 2 Samuel.
1 and 2 Samuel was originally a single work, which focuses on Samuel, Saul and David, around 1,000 BC, mid-way between Abraham and Jesus. It was Samuel who established the monarchy in Israel after the period of the judges. He was commanded by God to give the people a king, although their request is seen as a rejection of God’s rule over Israel (8:7).
The people simply wanted to be like other nations, however their king was still subject to God’s law and the word of the prophet. Although Samuel anointed Saul, he soon showed an unwillingness to submit to these requirements, leading to his rejection as king (15:23). God chose David as Saul’s successor, and 1 Samuel depicts David’s years of waiting until the right time arrived to claim the throne.
2 Samuel depicts David’s rule, in which the nation prospers and its enemies are defeated. The promise of the perfect king is fulfilled in Jesus Himself, as David’s descendant. The second half of the book depicts the darker side of David’s reign, describing his weaknesses and failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba and the rebellion of his son Absalom.
Nevertheless, David remained a man after God’s own heart: ‘The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7). The characters in this book are not always great examples of faith, however, ‘They do not show us how we should live but how in fact we do live, authenticating the reality of our daily experience as the stuff that God uses to work his purposes of salvation in us and in the world.’ (Eugene Peterson).
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Prospect of winter energy bills causing anxiety for millions, says Archbishop of York
Millions are looking ahead to this winter with ‘fear and anxiety’ about the cost of heating their homes, the Archbishop of York has said as he backed the recent launch of a campaign to provide a network of warm spaces for people who struggle to pay their energy bills.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is encouraging churches to consider getting involved in the Warm Welcome campaign, a network of venues from community centres to churches providing warm spaces over the winter for people struggling to heat their homes
.
Archbishop Stephen said: “Sadly, what began as a cost-of-living crisis has simply become the new normal for many.
“Millions of people will look ahead to this winter with fear and anxiety, wondering how they are going to cope with high living costs. That is why I am proud to endorse the Warm Welcome campaign this winter.
“But a warm welcome isn’t only about the temperature. It is about kindness and community, giving people the chance to be seen and known, to belong and to be part of something. It is about celebrating the God-given value and dignity of every single person, finding hope and community together. But of course, none of that will happen if people are cold.”
The Warm Welcome campaign is led by a coalition of over 50 charitable organisations who joined together in response to the cost of living crisis to provide emergency support to communities struggling to pay for rising food costs and to heat their homes.
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The mysterious ways of mistletoe
Mistletoe has long been used as part of our Christmas decorations. It is not your usual kind of plant.
Instead, it is hemiparasitic, meaning that although its leaves enable it to feed itself through photosynthesis, its roots invade the host tree or shrub to extract water and other nutrients
.
Mistletoe loves living in apple, lime, hawthorn, poplar or oak trees. You may spot it high up, as a large globe, on the bare trees in winter. There is one spectacular example in Windsor Great Park, clearly visible from the path on the opposite side of the Thames
.
Mistletoe’s berries are almost translucent, fleshy and sticky. They form in the forks of mistletoe’s many branches. While they are toxic to humans, they are attractive to birds, who wipe the remaining seeds off their beaks onto the nearest branch, which of course helps the plant to spread.
For some reason, Romans thought mistletoe represented Peace, Love and Understanding. Perhaps that is how it got into our Christmas celebrations? The earliest documentary evidence for kissing under mistletoe dates from the 16th century, but we don’t know who got kissed first.
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Doctor Livingstone, I presume?
It was 150 years ago, on 10th November 1871, that Welsh journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley located the missing missionary Dr David Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika, in present-day Tanzania. He may or may not have greeted him with the words: “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?”
Stanley’s real name was John Rowlands. He was born in Denbigh to an unmarried 18-year-old who abandoned him. He ended up in a workhouse until he was 15, then went to America, where he changed his name and became an American citizen. When he found Livingstone, he was working for the New York Herald.
Known for his strength of will, Stanley also had an African name – Bula Matari – Breaker of Rocks. Much of his life was spent in Central Africa, and his reputation was mixed: he was said by some to be violent toward Africans, but by others to have treated them well. His feats as an explorer were impressive: he played a big part in locating the true source of both the Nile and the Congo, and he helped open up the Congo on behalf of King Leopold of Belgium.
Though not overtly religious, he felt he was engaged in a “sacred task”. He was re-naturalised a British subject in 1892, following his marriage.
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All in the month of March
It was:
300 years ago, on 8th March 1723 that Sir Christopher Wren, English architect, died. Best known for designing St Paul’s Cathedral.
125 years ago, on 16th March 1898 that Aubrey Beardsley, British illustrator, died. His black ink drawings, influenced by Japanese woodcuts, contributed to the development of Art Nouveau.
100 years ago, on 4th March 1923 that Patrick Moore, the amateur astronomer, TV presenter, writer and musician was born. Best known for presenting the TV astronomy show The Sky at Night for over 50 years. (Died 2012)
80 years ago, on 13th March 1943 that the final liquidation of Krakow Ghetto in Poland took place. 8,000 Jews were transported to Plaszow labour camp, 2000 more were simply killed in the streets, and the rest were sent to Auschwitz.
70 years ago, on 19th March 1953 that the Academy Awards ceremony (the Oscars) were televised for the first time.
Also 70 years ago, on 26th March 1953 that Dr Jonas Salk announced that he had completed the first small-scale test of a polio vaccine. Larger tests began in February 1954, and mass vaccinations began in April 1955.
65 years ago, on 2nd March 1958 that the first land crossing of Antarctica was completed by the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by Vivian Fuchs. The team of 12 men travelled 2,158 miles from Shackleton Base to Scott Base (via the South Pole) in 99 days, using six vehicles.
60 years ago, on 22nd March 1963 that the British Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, made a statement in the House of Commons in which he denied there was any impropriety in his relationship with Christine Keeler, a model who was also in a sexual relationship with a drug dealer and a Soviet naval attaché. (In June he admitted he had lied, and resigned.)
50 years ago, on 8th March 1973 that the citizens of Northern Ireland voted in a referendum to remain within the United Kingdom. That same day the IRA carried out its first bombing in Britain since WWII, planting car bombs in London. One person died, 200 were injured.
40 years ago, on 6th March 1983 that Donald Maclean, British-born Soviet spy died. He was a member of the Cambridge Spy Ring.
Also 40 years ago, on 26th March 1983, that Anthony Blunt, British art historian and Soviet spy, died.
25 years ago, on 16th March 1998 that Rwanda began mass trials for the country’s 1994 genocide. There were 125,000 suspects for 500,000 murders.
20 years ago, on 1st March 2003 that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the al-Qaeda terrorist who masterminded the 9/11 attacks on the USA, was captured in Pakistan.
Also 20 years ago, on 12th March 2003 that the World Health Organisation issued a global alert about a severe form of pneumonia (now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – SARS) that was affecting people in China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
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Isherwood Hall. (The original hall)
Tables and chairs are available.
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Year 2024 AGM Reports For AGM 0n 11th May 2025
ST MARY’S, WEST ACKLAM IN THE DEANERY OF MIDDLESBROUGH
Minutes of last year's meeting in 2024
ST MARY’S WEST ACKLAM IN THE DEANERY OF MIDDLESBROUGH
Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Held on Sunday 28th April 2024 at 11 am in Church
Vestry Meeting
1. The meeting was opened by Rev. Norma Rao with prayers
She welcomed 21 church members to the meeting and advised that only members on the
Electoral Roll were eligible to vote at either meeting
2. Apologies: None
3. The minutes of the meeting held on May 28th 2023 had been circulated prior to the meeting and had been available on the church website. Tony Carr proposed to accept the minutes as a true record, seconded by Julie Foley agreed unanimously.
4. There were no matters arising.
5. Nomination forms for the post of Churchwardens had been on the church notice board
and also available on line via the Secretary.
No nominations had been received, Therefore The Vicar advised there will be two vacancies
for the posts of Churchwardens.
6. The meeting closed at 11.20 am.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting
1 Rev. Norma Rao advised that the minutes of the APCM on 28th May 2023 had been
circulated prior to the meeting. Margaret Morrell proposed to accept the minutes as a
true record, seconded by Wyn Hirst. The minutes were accepted unanimously
2 There were no matters arising.
3 In Lieu of a Church Warden's Report Robert Willis had provided a report on the Church
Building and its grounds, He advised a new Architect had been appointed in January 2023.
The Terrier and Log book have been kept up to date and are available for inspection.
The Vicar thanked Robert for all his time and work to ensure the Church Building is
maintained and repairs carried out.
4 The Treasurer's report together with the PCC accounts were accepted as a true record
proposed by Margaret Morrell and seconded by Julie Foley agreed
unanimously. David explained that the Church Hall sale had been completed but we are
still awaiting news on when the money amounting to £521,983 less solicitors fees will be
released to us. He advised that Building maintenance costs were high in excess of £25,000
but we had achieved a credit balance better than the previous year of £7330.We had
increased our Freewill Offering to York by 10%.but it was noted that The York Diocese
has a large deficit and Parish churches that cannot financially support their Clergy could be
combined with another Parish after 2026.
David advised our giving so far this year is £100 short each month and therefore a need to
discuss asking for increases in our giving.
The Vicar thanked David Dorman Smith who is retiring, for his many years service
as our Treasurer.
5 The Secretary's report on The Parochial Church Council, The Safeguarding report,
The Gift Aid report, The Electoral Roll Officer's report, The Deanery Synod report and
various reports by the Church Organisations were accepted as a true record proposed by
Margaret Morrell and seconded by Julie Foley agreed unanimously.
6 The Vicar reminded the meeting that we urgently still need a lay person to take over from her
as our Safeguarding Officer for which regular training is provided by the Diocese..
Concern was also noted at the lack of space between tables at our social events in
particular at Coffee Mornings. It was also pointed out that help is required to set up tables etc
prior to Coffee Mornings.
Pastoral Care: The Vicar advised more home visits as our congregation ages and are
unable to get to Church. People who require a lift to church must sign the list to give their
authority for church members to give them lifts. Unfortunately some members who are in
Care homes are not allowed to go out without a Care home employee.
Bob Willis advised that work had started to remove and repair the Church cross as it had
become unstable.
7 Two nominations had been received for the five lay representatives to the PCC
from Wyn Hirst and Julie Foley they were both duly elected.
This still leaves three vacancies as Hilary Longstaff has resigned as she has moved away.
8 The position of Independent Examiner had received one nomination Colin Shaughnessy
He was proposed to be accepted by Brian Livingstone seconded by Barry Lomas
approved unanimously. The Vicar gave a vote of thanks to Colin for his services as our
Examiner.
9 Vicar's remarks:
She advised that the Cafe Church style of worship had not worked for Baptism families
so she has had flexible meetings to try and involve them as non church people.
We must always be aware of what we can offer to new people attending church.
At present 2 young girls are attending our 10 am Sunday services and she is
giving them 15 minutes Bible study after the service.
Pastoral care : The Vicar commented that as we get older hope for the future and life
after death become more important. We as Christians should always offer help to people
outside the church to talk about God and pray for their well being.
The Vicar thanked Pauline Simpson and Bob Willis who work hard on producing the
Parish News and maintain our website. An appeal was made for any contributions
from church members.
The Vicar appealed for more people to take part in the “on line” Bible Study weekly
meetings.
10 Announcements: none
11 Any other business
No further news has been received from our solicitors as to when the money from the
sale of the Hall will be released to us.
The Vicar closed the meeting at 12.10 hours.
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Public Worship and Pastoral Care Report for Annual General Meeting 2025
Public Worship
The pattern of public worship at St Mary’s Parish Church is that there are three forms on Sundays, namely:- 9am, Holy Communion (BCP), attendance 4-8; 10am, Parish Communion (CW), attendance 28-32; and Evening Prayer, attendance: 3-6. There is a week day Communion on Tuesday, attendance: 3-7. The Evensong, formerly on Sundays, has ceased due to the organist no longer being able to attend Church after dark. Thanks are due to Jack and Julia, who play the organ at all the services.
Occasional Offices
There are less requirements for all occasional offices. There have been 9 baptisms, 7 funerals, and 2 weddings.
The weekly Vestry Hour, which is a stated hour for parishioners to make baptism or wedding bookings, is always held on Sunday between 5 to 6pm.
A half an hour baptism preparation for parents and godparents takes place before the baptism.
Festival and special day celebrations
Christmas services are well-established at St Mary’s. However, we have had to make some alterations. The Christmas Carol service has moved to 3pm on the 4th Advent Sunday. The Christingle service was well attended, far beyond our wildest expectation. More than 200 adults and children joined us on the evening when we returned to the traditional time slot of Christmas Eve. Because we did not expect such great numbers of attendance, the Christingles were too few and there were only a couple of assistants from the Church.
The Lent season began with the Ash Wednesday imposition of ashes and Eucharist. Easter celebration follows the pattern of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday washing feet and stripping of the altar, whilst Good Friday includes the Stations of the Cross, and the Good Friday Liturgy; Early on Easter Sunday morning, at the Sunrise service, a new fire is lit to signify the new life brought by the Risen Christ.
We celebrate Harvest, Remembrance, Dedication, Annual Memorial service, and Acklam Old Boys’ Remembrance service.
In preparation of Christmas and Easter, there is always an Advent and Lent study, which normally follows the course authorised by the archbishops. During the Lent season, three Agape meals (Wednesday lunch time) are held in church. Thanks to those who made soups, Agape loaves, and to all who attended.
Home Communions
There are 4 home Communions, either weekly or fortnightly.
Parish Prayer
A parish prayer takes place monthly. This is a time when we meditate on the scriptures, pray for the world, church, our own church of St Mary’s and ourselves. We follow the Church of England’s seasonal prayer and meditation plan, with Advent/Christmas and Lent reflection booklets for the congregation’s personal prayers.
Pastoral Ministry
Apart from regular Home Communion visits, the Vicar visits members of the congregation who are no longer able to attend church worship and pursues activities from time to time, including those for newcomers.
There is a regular Lunch-out, to offer opportunities for congregation to meet and chat together, and a pre-Christmas lunch, as well as a Harvest lunch for all.
Christmas and Easter cards have been sent to the congregation who are no longer able to attend church services. Many thanks to Lynn who made all the cards.
Rev Norma Rao
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SAFEGUARDING REPORT FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025
Safeguarding Policy: St Mary’s Parish Church follows the diocesan safeguarding guidance; having adopted the diocesan safeguarding policy, we strive to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone with whom we come into contact.
· Safeguarding has been an item at every PCC meeting; any concerns raised there have been detailed, discussed and addressed accordingly;
· Training: the diocese requires all members of the PCC to have undertaken safeguarding training (all of which can be done online); and all members of PCC have done so, and have received training certificates.
· I, as the parish incumbent and safeguarding officer, have taken all the required safeguarding training online, and also attended diocesan safeguarding week online sessions.
· All members of the PCC’s DBS are in date.
· Risk Assessments have been made within the plan of any Church event.
· The ‘Passenger consent’, i.e. to be transported in private cars on behalf of PCC, are updated every twelve months.
· The health and safety policy has been re-drafted by Bob Willis, and lone working policy is in the process of redraft.
· The consent forms for giving lifts using Private cars have all been renewed.
· There was a safeguarding issue had occurred, the diocesan safeguarding offer was informed immediately, and they have dealt the case and a safeguarding agreement has been signed with the relevant party. The diocese and the PSO is continually monitoring vigilantly.
· No other safeguarding concerns have been reported to PCC.
Safeguarding is an essential and necessary part of parochial ministry. It requires a parish safeguarding officer (PSO) who is responsible for all safeguarding issues that arise in the parish. The PSO is ordinarily someone other than the incumbent, and ideally a lay person. If there were safeguarding issues concerning the incumbent, the PSO should be someone whom people could address directly about the matter. I have been the Parish Safeguarding Office since October 2021. The Church is in need of someone take over the role from me.
AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A LAY PERSON AS THE PSO, PLEASE CONSIDER SERIOUSLY WHETHER YOU OR ANYONE WHOM YOU KNOW WOULD CARE TO ASSUME THE ROLE.
Each Parish Safeguarding Officer’s (PSO) role is to:
· Work closely with the incumbent to advice within the parish on all safeguarding matters relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults;
· Receive, with the incumbent, any concerns about children or adults in the parish and make sure that proper advice is sought and proper referrals are made;
· Report all matters relating to concerns and allegations of abuse against church officers, in liaison with the incumbent, to the diocesan safeguarding adviser who will liaise with the statutory agencies, as required. Concerns about the incumbent should be raised directly with the DSA;
· Ensure that any ex-offenders with offences against children or vulnerable adults known to be in the church community are notified to the diocesan safeguarding adviser and contribute to managing Safeguarding Agreements; · Promote safer practices in all activities and make any recommendations required taking into account the particular arrangements of the parish;
· Seek to ensure that Safer Recruitment practice is followed, with the support of diocese.
· Attend diocesan safeguarding training at least every three years;
· Maintain safeguarding records;
· Complete national, diocesan and parish safeguarding self-assessments as required;
· Contribute to the annual review of parish safeguarding arrangements;
· The PSO should regularly report on safeguarding in the parish. Safeguarding should be a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting. At the APCM the PCC will provide an annual report in relation to safeguarding, (see paragraph 2.3 above).
The PSO may also be responsible for:
· Being the Children’s and /or Vulnerable Adult Advocate (see below);
· Being the DBS Administrator (see below);
· Supporting other church officers who work with children or vulnerable adults;
· Providing or arranging provision of safeguarding training for parish workers (both volunteers and paid staff). Preferably the PSO should be someone who is a lay person, has good pastoral and organisational skills and experience of working with children/young people or vulnerable adults, although not always currently involved in such work in the parish. They should not be the incumbent or his or her partner. Please see Appendix 8 [in the official; document] for a model role description. The level of the resource will be dependent on the size and complexity of the parish.
These roles often are voluntary but some larger parishes have paid posts. Some parishes have one PSO for children and one for vulnerable adults. If required, in rural parishes, or in group arrangements, arrangements for safeguarding maybe shared whilst remembering that legal responsibilities will continue to rest with the individual parishes.
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In Lieu of Church Warden’s Report - including Fabric, Goods and Ornaments
for Annual General Meeting 11th May 2025
The church building has been regularly monitored and repairs carried out to ensure it is maintained to the best possible standards.
The grounds continue to be maintained by volunteers on a monthly Saturday basis and the grass cut regularly over the summer months by a volunteer for which I am very grateful. The gravestones are checked annually in the Autumn for safety and stability. The heating boilers are serviced annually and a gas safety check is carried out at the same time.
The church is cleaned every fortnight by a volunteer, also monthly as part of the Saturday gardening team, All the brass work is cleaned by a volunteer, and I am grateful to all who carry out this cleaning. The silverware is cleaned regularly after use and remains in good condition. Apart from the white frontal all altar frontals, vestments and linen wear are in good condition. The white frontal is being monitored but will sometime in the future need to go to a specialist firm for repairs.
Following the 2023 Quinquennial Inspection, all the urgent jobs, which included repointing a lot of stonework and repairing the stone cross on the Bede Roof (which was found to be in a dangerous condition during the stonework repairs) were completed. During this work the gulley that runs between the building roofs was found to be in an extremely poor condition and several firms have been contacted for quotes. This gulley is the main reason for the interior damp and peeling paintwork at the south side of the choir. Our architect has written a comprehensive list of required work to renew the gulley, but this necessary work is held up by a lack of funds.
The ‘Terrier’ and ‘Church Logbook’ have been updated as necessary throughout the year, and are available for inspection.
R. Willis
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Treasurers Report for AGM 2025
Treasurer’s Report for Annual General Meeting 2025
The church accounts have been prepared and audited, copies are available as required.
At the 31st December 2024 we are still awaiting the proceeds of the church hall. We are hopeful that they will be received sometime in April 2025.
We increased our planned giving as stated last year and the PCC have agreed to a 5% increase for 2025 to £34,650. This is as much as the PCC felt we would be able to raise.
Our income for the year has exceeded our outgoings, thanks in main part to some generous donations and excellent fundraising by our fundraising team. Grateful thanks to them all and to everyone who helps with the collecting, counting and banking of the money.
With regard to Gift Aid, all claims for 2024 have been completed including for small donations (ie. from the collection plate) and the refunds received. The amounts are shown in the accounts.
The numbers of people giving through the envelope scheme remains at 8 and for the standing order scheme is now 12. Donations under the Parish Giving Scheme (ie by direct debit) are also shown in the accounts as are refunds paid by HMRC monthly.
Julie Foley
Treasurer
PCC Secretary’s Report for AGM 2025
The year 2024 started with eleven members on the Parochial Church Council consisting of the Vicar Rev. Norma Rao, No Church wardens, 2 elected Deanery Synod representatives, 7 elected members and 1 Co-opted member.
The council met 11 times during 2024. Hillary Longstaff resigned in April, she had been a long serving member but was moving away to be with family and was thanked for her contribution to our church.
Our Annual General Meeting on April 28th 2024 was held in church with 22 Church members present.
At the first meeting of the new PCC Robert Willis was elected as a Co-opted member.
This left the Council to continue with a shortfall of 2 Churchwardens and 3 PCC members.
At the first meeting of the new Council the following people where appointed:
Chairperson: Rev Norma Rao
Vice Chair : Margaret Morrell
Secretary : Brian Livingstone
Treasurer : Julie Foley
Safeguarding Officer : Rev. Norma Rao
Health & Safety Officer : Robert Willis
Electoral Roll : Margaret Dabbs
Standing Committee : Margaret Morrell
Envelopes Secretary : Julie Foley
Gift Aid Secretary : Julie Foley
Independent Assessor : Colin Shaughnessy
A great deal of PCC time has been used to plan for the future when we get release of our money from the sale of the Church Hall. Bob Willis and our Architect have put ideas in place to make improvements but she advised the church roof and gutters need urgent work with costs being only covered in full by using the Hall sale money.
I took over the challenge of getting the Charity Commission to release the Hall money in April from David Dorman-Smith who had being trying since the Hall sale in August 2023. We signed a contract with Lupton & Fawcett Solicitors to represent us to respond to the many questions raised by the C/C over trusts as no Hall deeds had been found. The PCC members signed a written declaration in June confirming we as Trustees will use the money to improve our church building and promote the mission of our church in Acklam. Due to the length of time waiting for C/C to reply they then asked for further evidence in November of the links between the Hall and St Mary's Church and that our aims are the same as the Hall Trustee's had been.
As the year 2024 ends we are waiting for our solicitors to provide an updated resolution to put before our PCC.
On the positive side it was good to report on two successful Christmas events.
The Christmas Lunch organised by the Vicar at The Jet Miners in Gt. Broughton with
over 20 people attending, and also the Christmas Eve Christingle Service with over 200 adults and children at the service.
The Wednesday monthly coffee mornings have again been well attended with thanks to Jill & Tony Carr for organising them and raising funds for our Church.
I hope that we will see more volunteers coming forward this year to fill the positions of Church wardens and the three vacancies on the PCC.
I would like to express my thanks to those people who raised reports to me in advance of PCC meetings and in particular to Pauline Simpson for her help with the AGM reports.
Brian Livingstone
PCC Secretary
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Parish Magazine, Website and Facebook Report for Annual General Meeting 2025
The magazine continues to be available on the St Mary’s website.
As editors we continue to look after the St Mary’s website, also the entry in the ‘Church Near You’ website and a Facebook page for St Mary’s. These enable us to reach out to those who may not live in the area but want to know about us.
The Facebook page is kept up to date with items of interest and links to Church of England and York Diocese information. It is also quite often used as a first port of call for people wanting information about Baptisms, Weddings etc. as well as various random queries and requests about copies of Marriage or Baptism certificates, information about long lost relatives and gravestones etc.
An up-to-date diary is available on the ‘A Church Near You’ website and we update and amend as required on a weekly basis. As a matter of interest the 'Church Near You' Website averages 300 hits a month.
Your editors wish you all good reading in the coming months.
Pauline Simpson – Bob Willis Co-editors
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Music Report for Annual General Meeting 2025
A choir is still present at the 10am service, and numbers have now risen to seven, which enables four part harmony, but this still means there is a threat to the viability of this continuing. Evensong finished in July due to our organist being unable to play on Sunday evenings.
Of course, it would not be a report without saying as in previous years that new people are desperately needed to keep the singing going. St Mary’s has always had a good musical reputation, but this will disappear in the very near future.
The faithful members of the choir are to be thanked for their continuing support at all the services during 2024.
Jack Thompson continues to play most Sundays and Julia plays at least once a month. We thank them both for their continuing service to St Mary’s. Despite advertising for a replacement organist there are none in the area.
R Willis
Choir Member
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Deanery Synod Report for the Annual General Meeting 2025
The three meetings of Synod followed the same format as in previous years. Each started with a time for refreshments and socialising, a short meditation and prayers. Synod members came together for the circulated agenda under the chairmanship of the Area Dean Fr. Glyn Holland.
The first meeting of Synod 2024 met at St. Barnabas Church, Linthorpe on Thursday 29th February.
There were two Parish Presentations by Rev. Graham Potter of Eston with Normanby, and Rev. Caroline Taylor from St. Cuthberts Marton, on how their Churches were managing the challenges of today. Martin Bailey (DFA) informed synod of the Diocesan Funding the Mission Scheme which covered Free Will Offerings in 2023. He was pleased to report that the Deanery had paid almost in full. Sadly, he reported that the Diocese could be over 2million in deficit which would lead to posts being lost and Churches being amalgamated under one priest. (St. Mary’s had not managed to cover the cost of clergy ministry in 2023 which amounted to £52,000)
The second meeting met at St Cuthbert's Church Ormesby on Monday 17th June.
Phil McBride from the Diocesan Generous Giving Team gave a slide presentation to encourage congregations and visitors to give by using the Parish Giving Scheme, mechanisms such as Card Machines and QR Codes and by Legacy Gifts.
Festival Teesside.
Had been a month-long mission culminating in the Festival Teesside weekend in Stewart Park on 8/9 June. Over 70 Churches and Christian Organisations had taken part with 27,000 attending over the 2 days.
The final meeting of the year took place at Holy Trinity Church, North Ormesby on Tuesday 8th October.
There was a Parish Presentation by Rev. David Goodhew of St Barnabas. He described a thriving diverse parish who were going to be able to pay their freewill offering in full for 2024. Because of the growing congregation they had an increase in the number of Baptisms, Wedding and Funerals, with the number of confirmation candidates also increasing.
A report on General Synod indicated the unrest and division in Synod between Bishops, Clergy and Laity regarding the issue of Living in Love and Faith. There will be discussions held before three decisions take place in July 2025 regarding services of blessing for same sex couples, clergy entering same sex marriage and sexual activity outside heterosexual marriage by clergy.
It was announced that the new Bishop of Whitby Rt Rev .Barry Hill would be welcomed to the Archdeaconry of Cleveland on 23rd October at All Saints Church Northallerton.
More detailed information about Deanery Synod is available in the Parish Minutes Book and questions can be answered by the Deanery Representatives, Jill Carr or Margaret Morrell.
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Electoral Roll Report for Annual General Meeting 2025
There are now 78 names on the electoral roll, of which 65 live within the parish and 13 live outside the parish boundary.
Margaret Dabbs…..
Electoral Roll Officer
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Prayer Chain Report for Annual General Meeting 2025
The St. Mary’s Prayer Chain has continued to run smoothly through 2024, and the Team has worked well together.
We have received prayer requests from many and varied quarters, both home and abroad.
During the year Hilary Longstaff left the parish and moved south to be near her daughter but kindly offered to stay within the prayer chain.
I would like to thank the Team for their support, and to our Lord for His guidance.
Whilst we accept prayer requests, we would appreciate updates on individuals in order to keep our prayers relevant.
Margaret Dabbs, Co-ordinator
April 2025
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Annual Report of the Wednesday Work Force for Annual General Meeting 2025
Once the money from the sale of the Church Hall is finally released the Church will eventually be reordered, and more space will become available for social and fundraising events. With the limited space available the Wednesday Work force successfully held monthly coffee mornings on the second Wednesday of each month except August. Cakes and preserves, books and bespoke cards are sold, together with Margaret’s ever-popular raffle.
As a result of the tireless efforts of the volunteers and the generous support of members of the congregation and others, £2,866.02 was raised during the year.
Sadly, from September, Carol Readman was unable to continue making preserves which had been a source of revenue for many years.
It was agreed the proceeds of the May Coffee Morning should be given to Christian Aid, this amounted to £256.90. We also donated £200.00 to Zoe’s Place Children’s Hospice from the December Coffee Morning
.
It should be noted that in 2024 the Coffee Mornings continued to be the main Fundraising events held by the Church Family here at St Mary’s.
This success was only made possible because of the dedication of the volunteers and the support of all the people who came or donated in any way.
Thank you to everyone.
Jill Carr
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Bible Study Group Report for Annual General Meeting 2025
Thanks to the wonders of technology (ie Zoom meetings on the Internet), I am continuing to lead the Bible study group even though I and my family moved to Exeter last summer. I'm really missing St Mary's and it is such a joy still to be able to meet like this for fellowship, study and prayer.
We have moved to a Wednesday evening at 6.45, but keep the same format as before - a short time to greet each other and chat, then a brief prayer to ask God to speak to us through his Word, before we spend time together exploring one or more of the Scripture passages from the previous Sunday morning. This builds our faith, helps us to know our Saviour more, and continues to show us how this amazing book, written so long ago, still has such relevance for our lives today. Each session ends with prayer (silent or aloud), for each other and for other needs known to us.
We meet most Wednesday evenings during term time (except for the periods of Lent and Advent). New members always welcome - no previous Bible knowledge required, and you don't need to commit to joining us every week - occasional visits are fine.
To access our friendly group, ask the Vicar, and she will send you the link via email.
Hilary Longstaff