Community    65 replies

                        There were 10 further questions, with a diversity of replies. The impression I gain is that the greatest concern is relationships within our church community between members and between groups. Is this real, or is it one of those self- fulfilling prophecies? The last question showed that 91 % of people are concerned about our finances.

        The Church questionnaire was inspired from our dealings 'with EPS, the consultancy agency. Andrew Mottram of EPS addressed the last PCC meeting saying that the relationship question was entirely our own affair, but he was able to advise on the buildings aspect. He said that to be on a proper footing we need to double our rental income to maintain the buildings, and to increase our weekly/monthly giving to meet all Ministry costs (including the Quota).

    But what do we do about it all? Several people would have preferred the detail of the questions to be separated, e.g. blinds and chairs to be separate items; car park and meeting rooms should be separated. But these are parts of a whole aspect. It is clear that we cannot afford all at once, indeed, how do we afford any? So if we really want these things, we must raise more funds! One person wrote to say that (to paraphrase it) we are addressing the symptom not the cause. And in such a diverse congregation, should we not expect a diversity of views, and accept the situation? How does it all line up with our 'Vision Statement'? Tony has produced a leaflet summarizing the PCC deliberations on these topics, and I recommend you read it.