Issue 14           11th July 2009

Church eNews

Financial concerns just won't go away

Martin Ball was elected church treasurer at the June church council and some of his first words to the meeting were, "Changing the treasurer doesn’t change the message or the figures!" 

Our outgoings are greater than our income by £32,000 per year and will continue at this rate unless action is taken. This cannot continue for more than another year, because by August 2009 our reserves will be less than the agreed minimum of three months' costs. We shall be in the red by about the end of 2009.

Our expenditures fall principally into three areas:

1. Circuit contributions (£103,000 per year). They are our share of the circuit’s costs for seven staff— ministers, deacon and lay workers and their stipends, housing, and so on.

2. Property (£42,500). Our budget is well established but is being squeezed by escalating gas and electricity costs.

3. Youth related (£33,000). The cost of our youth worker and our contribution to the Billericay schools ministry (SMB).

Our circuit contribution is over half of total expenditure but as local church shares have not been looked at for some time, the church council decided that:

n We shall not agree to the circuit’s request for an increased contribution for the coming year, saving us £4,000;
n The circuit will be asked to review circuit contributions and adjust local church shares in the light of current relative strengths.

However, even if this results in Billericay’s share being reduced, it will not solve the problem. To enable us to continue working as we do we must increase our income substantially.

What can we do? Here are some thoughts:

n  Our finance committee will gratefully receive any ideas on how to find £30,000 plus per annum.
n  Obviously, we all need to think and pray about our regular giving and increase it if we can. We are short by £2.75 on average per member per week.
n Another possibility is to look for external grant funding to support some existing activities (like our work among young people and maintenance of our buildings). To do this we need someone willing to research what is available and help prepare applications. Could this be you?

Judith prepares for her new ministry

The Rev Judith Maizel-Long is preparing to depart from her job as Director of External Affairs at the church-related national charity Housing Justice to join us in September as our new minister.

In the pink: Judith & Graham at a Cancer Relief fundraiser

Husband Graham will support her, assisted by their white Staffordshire terrier, Sugar.

Judith has been a Methodist minister for 25 years. She spent 16 years in circuits in Yorkshire and the Kent-Sussex borders.

Then, for nine years she held posts outside the Methodist Church in ecumenical situations.

She was a lecturer in mission and pastoral studies at the South East Institute for Theological Education in Mission & Pastoral Studies, then coordinating secretary for church life at Churches Together in Britain & Ireland.

For the past two years Judith has been a director at Housing Justice, which organises Homelessness Sunday, among other things.

She is gladly giving up her present daily commute from Kent into London to come to Billericay, so commuters and their families are assured of her understanding.

Graham grew up in Romford, so for him Billericay is almost a return home; he became a member of the Methodist Church in Herongate. Until recently he has been running his own chauffeur business. He is a keen cricket fan and supports Tottenham Hotspur. Recently he qualified as a clay pigeon shooting instructor.

In her time outside normal ministry Judith has learned some skills in planning in voluntary organisations, and wants to work with people to plan and develop the life of the church in all its aspects. She strongly believes in the value of doing these things together.

An affectionate farewell to Keith

Earlier this week, people of the church said their farewells to Keith Forrest, who died on 27th June.

A huge congregation heard tributes to the various aspects of his life, led by affectionate and moving words from his nine year-old granddaughter Becci.

Then recollections of his career in business, musical life at Ingatestone, his public role as a musician and choir conductor at church, and his unseen work maintaining the church's fabric and gardens.

Mark Conlon said that Keith had a catchphrase for many everyday situations, which his friends and family would recognise. Although a man of firm opinions, he would stand back graciously from a disagreement with the phrase, "If you must."

And when being indulged by his family he would say, "What possessed you to do that." Not in admonition, but humility. 

Earlier in the day at his funeral service, an incident was recalled from 55 years ago that illustrates Keith's sense of fun yet his determination. At a 21st birthday party, just before the sit-down meal, Keith slipped unnoticed into the dining room and changed the place names so that he could sit next to the object of his affections. He married her two years later! 

For many, the highlight of the thanksgiving service was its music—from piano, flute and organ, and from the congregation singing some of Keith's favourite hymns. At times it seemed as if the roof might be lifted. A fitting tribute to a great servant of this church and a man who touched many with his love of life. 

Celebrating summer—dodging the rain

The Billericay Festival in June has been hailed as a tremendous success by the hundreds of visitors who enjoyed flower displays, paintings and exhibits depicting the town's history.

Entries in the visitors' book typify the general view:

"Beautiful flowers, beautiful art and beautiful music. What a beautiful oasis in the middle of town; may it grow and prosper with God’s blessing.”

“We popped in for a minute. One and a half hours later we were still enjoying all the beautiful exhibits and music.”

“Wonderful displays and warm atmosphere. Good to see how much goes on in Billericay.”

“A beautiful and informative event. Please do it again soon.”

The festival raised £2,700. Proceeds will be divided between further refurbishment at St Mary's church and St Luke's Hospice.

"God's most beautiful church—the open air of the park" was how the Rev Paul Carr (new rector of Billericay) introduced Praise in the Park at Lake Meadows on 29th June.

On a warm and breezy Sunday, Paul urged Christians of the town to, "Nail our colours to the mast and show our presence wherever we are, and not be like chameleons and blend into the background."

The best park service, said many!

Farewell to Les & Di

Preparations for Les & Di's party on 26th July are well advanced and we hope you will be coming. Please arrive at 6.00 pm for a meal at 6.30. We shall invite donations towards the cost of food.

A musical evening is promised and this may be your last opportunity to hear Les with his guitar! Proceedings will come to an end just after 9.30 pm.

If you haven't yet confirmed that you are coming, please contact Lyn Bowditch (659530).

The quiet conference

Midst all the media fuss about the Anglican synod and its debate on women bishops you will be excused from overlooking the Methodist Conference, which concluded this week.

There have been no lurid headlines; does this mean things are under control, or do we have little of national significance to say?

In truth, it was an interesting Conference and you can read and hear its debates here >>