The Vicar's "Two Penn'orth"
Annual Report for 2021-2
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting is an important opportunity for us to thank the many volunteers who keep this St Hildeburgh’s Church running - not only in terms of being solvent but in mission and ministry. The last twelve months have been a time of reflection and getting things back on track. It is going to take us time, but the signs are encouraging as we begin to bring back activities and even think about the Christmas Tree Festival this year.
As always, I could not do anything without your prayers and trust in the God that sustains us in all things. Alongside that, the support of the wardens Jane and Kate has been amazing - they work hard and give us their total commitment. Thank you.
The efficient running of the church is again an essential part of “keeping the show on the road” and I would like to thank Jill for all she does in both organizing the church and me! Thank you.
The church should be a place of welcome and love and that is what we try to be. My thanks go my colleagues in the ministry team: Rev Richard, Peter, Ruth, Jill and Alice; thank you. As well as the pastoral ministry of the church we need church officers in the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and I would like to thank them for all they do. Thank you to Lytton our Treasurer - not a job that I would ever want because it takes some very special skills and patience. For the church to be relevant in this generation our online presence is essential and I would like to thank Nigel for all he does with the website, Facebook, filming and so much more. There is no doubt that our services are lifted by the music provided by Rob, Ruth, Carolyn and Colin and the choir led by Carole. A huge thank you to Carron and the Guild for all they do in making the church so beautiful - you make a big difference. I would also like to say thank you to Chris our sacristan and to Roy who looks after the electoral roll for us.
A special thank you to George who is retiring from planned giving after twelve years faithful service - we have been fortunate to have your help over the years.
After being closed for two years because of Covid, we have now opened up “Mums and Tots” again and I would like to thank Peter, Margaret, Janet and Rachel for their wonderful help and support. Already we are seeing a good number of mums and tots and it is great having them back.
In church we are now seeing various concerts again which helps our finances and that is welcome. Like many churches, we are trying to increase income after two years loss of income. The church centre helps with income and I would like to thank Liz for all she does to manage the bookings. Liz also manages our Baptisms which is a very important part of our outreach. I would also like to thank the wonderful helpers who help with Bacon Butties, Messy church and Christine who looks after Sunday Voyagers. It is good to see the return of the Family Service and I would encourage you to support this worship.
Over the last year, we were able to work with other churches in supporting people seeking asylum and in recent weeks we have collected for the Ukraine. It has been good to hold weekly prayer vigils to concentrate our prayers on peace.
On a practical note, the grounds of the church have been looked after this year by Ron, Peter and Jane. Thank you. Carron thank you for helping with Holy Trinity Churchyard - a big task. As always, the school has been part of our community and my thanks go to Head teacher Christine who has been a big support in re-establishing collective worship and Holy Eucharist in school.
There are some people who do not fit into any particular role but help with everything and one of those people is Nancy - always willing to lend a hand - thank you Nancy.
We have had two difficult years. but the amount of positivity is wonderful, so thank you for that. Despite the sad loss of members of the parish, and recently Libby, it just showed at her service the fellowship that exists in the church and not only here but with St John’s, Meols.
And, of course, our thanks go John our Associate Vicar, Richard our Curate who has really risen to the challenges this year.
Well done to those who I am sure I have missed – it has been a wonderful team effort by everyone through a difficult period.
As always, I could not do anything without your prayers and trust in the God that sustains us in all things. Alongside that, the support of the wardens Jane and Kate has been amazing - they work hard and give us their total commitment. Thank you.
The efficient running of the church is again an essential part of “keeping the show on the road” and I would like to thank Jill for all she does in both organizing the church and me! Thank you.
The church should be a place of welcome and love and that is what we try to be. My thanks go my colleagues in the ministry team: Rev Richard, Peter, Ruth, Jill and Alice; thank you. As well as the pastoral ministry of the church we need church officers in the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and I would like to thank them for all they do. Thank you to Lytton our Treasurer - not a job that I would ever want because it takes some very special skills and patience. For the church to be relevant in this generation our online presence is essential and I would like to thank Nigel for all he does with the website, Facebook, filming and so much more. There is no doubt that our services are lifted by the music provided by Rob, Ruth, Carolyn and Colin and the choir led by Carole. A huge thank you to Carron and the Guild for all they do in making the church so beautiful - you make a big difference. I would also like to say thank you to Chris our sacristan and to Roy who looks after the electoral roll for us.
A special thank you to George who is retiring from planned giving after twelve years faithful service - we have been fortunate to have your help over the years.
After being closed for two years because of Covid, we have now opened up “Mums and Tots” again and I would like to thank Peter, Margaret, Janet and Rachel for their wonderful help and support. Already we are seeing a good number of mums and tots and it is great having them back.
In church we are now seeing various concerts again which helps our finances and that is welcome. Like many churches, we are trying to increase income after two years loss of income. The church centre helps with income and I would like to thank Liz for all she does to manage the bookings. Liz also manages our Baptisms which is a very important part of our outreach. I would also like to thank the wonderful helpers who help with Bacon Butties, Messy church and Christine who looks after Sunday Voyagers. It is good to see the return of the Family Service and I would encourage you to support this worship.
Over the last year, we were able to work with other churches in supporting people seeking asylum and in recent weeks we have collected for the Ukraine. It has been good to hold weekly prayer vigils to concentrate our prayers on peace.
On a practical note, the grounds of the church have been looked after this year by Ron, Peter and Jane. Thank you. Carron thank you for helping with Holy Trinity Churchyard - a big task. As always, the school has been part of our community and my thanks go to Head teacher Christine who has been a big support in re-establishing collective worship and Holy Eucharist in school.
There are some people who do not fit into any particular role but help with everything and one of those people is Nancy - always willing to lend a hand - thank you Nancy.
We have had two difficult years. but the amount of positivity is wonderful, so thank you for that. Despite the sad loss of members of the parish, and recently Libby, it just showed at her service the fellowship that exists in the church and not only here but with St John’s, Meols.
And, of course, our thanks go John our Associate Vicar, Richard our Curate who has really risen to the challenges this year.
Well done to those who I am sure I have missed – it has been a wonderful team effort by everyone through a difficult period.
Your Friend,
Rev Paul,
Vicar of Hoylake
Rev Paul,
Vicar of Hoylake
