Summary of the PCC meeting held on 26^th January 2026

After Prayers and Apologies, the minutes of the last meeting were agreed

Finance:  Halting the December payment of the Parish Share reduced our deficit. We undesignated a portion of designated funds to boost the General Fund. We will apply for a grant from the Northumberland Historic Churches Trust to cover the cost of redecoration. Anticipating a deficit for 2026 the PCC set the parish share payment at £52,00. We anticipate a saving on utility costs this year and agreed to offset our carbon use for 2025. There are two new members of the PGS and eight have increased their giving. With Gift Aid this increases giving to £35,750 for 2026.  A new water boiler for the hall kitchen will cost c. £700.

Parish Vision and KYCKYN update: Only 16 questionnaires online questionnaires have been completed so hard copies will be available to be completed on Sunday to widen the impact.

Safeguarding: DBS certificates will now be provided by Thirtyone:eight.

Eco-Church: There will be a Green Eucharist on 8^th February.  A clothing bank for Cancer Research UK will replace the Salvation Army one.  General Synod will debate sustainable floristry in churches and we are already experimenting with plants and flowers grown in pots to be used for the Easter Garden. This will continue after Easter and Joan Grebby will step back from flower arranging. The PCC recorded its gratitude and people can still give money for flowers in memory of loved ones.

Deanery Synod and Heaton Churches Together: The Vicar has been appointed Area Dean and is looking at ways of creating more interaction between all the churches in Newcastle East. He will be licensed on Tuesday 24^th February at the 6.30pm Eucharist at St Francis, by the Bishop of Newcastle. The vicar will step down from General Synod in July.

Lent, Holy Week and Easter:  Tuesday 10^th February Pancake Party with the Brownies (Shrove Tuesday, 17^th falls in Half Term) Lent Course complied by the Franciscans -Dr Nigel Coates to help.  Ash Wednesday (18^th February) and Holy Week services as normal

Future Dates:

Next PCC Monday 9^th March at 7.15pm after Taizé worship

French Fun NIght Saturday 21^st March 6.30-9pm

Earth Hour Saturday 28^th March 8.30 – 9.30pm

APCM Sunday 26^th April 2026

6/8 Franciscan Pilgrims staying overnight Tuesday 21^st – 22^nd July Volunteer hosts required.