THE 2005 AGM
The Anglican Chaplaincy of St Francis Tenerife South
MINUTES OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT THE DANISH HOTEL, CALLAO SALVAJE, WEDNESDAY 9th MARCH 2005 AT
11.30 a.m.
1. OPENING PRAYER
Following a Eucharist Service at 10.30 a.m. and coffee break the AGM
commenced with prayer by Fr. Keith Gordon.
2. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from:
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bush
Mrs. Heidi Davies
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Everett
Mrs.Ophelia John
Mrs. Ann Plummer
Mrs.Barbara Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Thornley
Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Thomas
Mrs.Elizabeth Thomas
Mrs. Hilda Thomas
Mrs. Elizabeth West
In Attendance: Fr. Keith Gordon –
Chairman
31 Electoral Roll Members
1 Visitor
3. MINUTES OF THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL
GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 11th MARCH 2004 (PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED)
The Minutes were approved with the following amendment:
Item 5.1 – Election of Chaplaincy Wardens – the description of the post of
Chaplaincy Wardens was requested to be amended to conform to the
Chaplaincy Wardens Measure namely:
“In accordance with Canon E1 (4) the Chaplaincy Wardens are officers of the
diocesan Bishop and shall assume office immediately on conclusion of the
annual meeting. They shall discharge such duties as are by law and
custom assigned to them; they shall be foremost in representing the
laity and in co-operating with the chaplain.
(taken from The Diocese in Europe Handbook 2001).
John Bosley proposed that the
Minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record, which was seconded by
Joan Caselton. The motion was carried unanimously.
Prior to the election of the
Chaplaincy Wardens the Chairman read verse 6 of Philippians Ch.4 – Do not be
anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God followed by an opening prayer
– Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favour,
and direct us with your continual help; that in all our works – begun,
continued, and ended in you – we may glorify your holy name, and finally
by your mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
The Chairman then spoke of 2004 being a year of building on the
foundations we have built since September 2003 with a 10% increase in
both congregations and fundraising. It had been an exciting year but
not without its difficulties. The Chairman likened it to growing pains
in children and that we had just come through our adolescence – with all
that entails! Fr. Keith’s illness last year was a worrying time for
all, but thanks to some exceptional doctors and surgeons who went far
beyond the norm, he is now back with us, raring to face the next year in
this Chaplaincy’s history with almost perfect vision!
The highlights of the year were undoubtedly Fr. Keith’s first
anniversary BBQ on Mount Teide and the preparation for confirmation of
Pam, Steve and Kate and taking part in the beautiful service with Bishop
David presiding and confirming in a very personal way. Fr. Keith
informed the meeting that people often ask him what makes the Chaplaincy
so different from English parishes. He explained that yes, the sun
shines more here and it’s warmer, but thinking about this question
recently, two words came to mind – prayer and generosity. Everything
that we do must be prayer based and everything we give, whether it be
time, talents or money, must also be based on prayer. Prayer is, after
all, opening ourselves to the presence of God and talking with him and
asking for his guidance through the Holy Spirit. The Chaplaincy is
fuelled by everyone’s generosity and the generosity of those who are
with us for a shorter time. The willingness to give goes far beyond
finance. Fr.Keith spoke of his admiration of the willingness of
people’s creativity, artistry and vision, and thanked everyone for the
part they had played in the success of the Chaplaincy.
Fr.Keith went on to thank everyone who had driven him around for the
past six months, his fellow priests who had helped during the past year
(especially Fr. Michael and Fr. Terry), the lay readers Elise and
Christine and to Martin our organist and web page donor and creator and
for their continuing work in and for the Chaplaincy. Finally, he
thanked the outgoing council members for their commitment, and
generosity of service. He stressed that we were blessed with a
dedicated team of voluntary helpers who work, often un-seen and un-sung,
maintaining the many facets of the day-to-day worship and activities in
the Church; who organise and run the Nearly New Sale; who produce the
magazine; who balance the books and type the minutes; who take care of
the myriad of other activities we enjoy and in so many other ways are
involved in helping the Chaplaincy move forward in faith.
4. ELECTION OF Chaplaincy Wardens
The Chairman thanked the Chaplaincy Wardens of last year – Jean Bates and
John Bosley.
Nomination forms for Chaplaincy Wardens had been received from Jean Bates and
John Bosley for the two posts. There being no other nominations
Jean Kelly proposed that Jean Bates and John Bosley be elected
This motion was seconded by Fay Briffett. The motion was carried
unanimously.
5. ELECTION OF ARCHDEACONRY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES
Shirley Beard and Greta Grove were the Archdeaconry Synod
Representatives in 2002, 2003 and 2004. There was therefore two
vacancies for the coming three years.
Nomination forms for the Synod Representatives had been received from
Shirley Beard and Elise Harding.
The acceptance of Shirley Beard and Elise Harding was proposed by David
Grove.
This motion was seconded by Joan Caselton. The motion was carried
unanimously.
As this year was the beginning of a new three year term of Archdeaconry
Synod Representation
David Grove proposed that the Representatives have voting Rights at
Church Council meetings.
This motion was seconded by Eric Noble. The motion was carried
unanimously.
6. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO
THE CHURCH COUNCIL
The Chairman expressed a thank you to all those members who had served
over the past year and to those standing down.
Nomination forms for Council Representatives had been received from
Espiritu Santo
Kate Bosley, joan Caselton, Greta Dermott-Clark, David Grove
Nomination forms for Council Representatives had been received from San
Eugenio
Philip Davies, Jean Kelly, Elizabeth Thomas, Alec West
The acceptance of the above nominations for Council representation was
proposed by Eric Noble. This motion was seconded by Shirley Beard. The
motion was carried unanimously.
Following this election it was
pointed out that as San Blas was seasonally operational provision be
made in the future for Council representation from that site. There was
one resident namely Jean in San Blas and as from this meeting for the
winter months Elise Harding could act as San Blas representative on the
Council. If future interest was expressed for further representation
the matter would be brought to the Council’s attention.
The Chairman advised the meeting that new Outreach in the near future
would be looked into at La Gomera, Callao Salvaje, El Medano and Playa
San Juan and a meeting would be arranged to discuss this future
development.
The Chairman thanked the new Council Members and looked forward to a
great deal of work to be accomplished in the coming year.
7. ELECTION OF SIDESPERSONS
It was noted that all members of the congregation should act as Sides
Persons at services, as and when necessary. The acceptance of the above
motion for Sides Persons was proposed by Kate Bosley. This motion was
seconded by Philip Davies. The motion was carried unanimously.
8. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER
The Electoral Roll Report had been received by the meeting previously.
There were no queries on this Report. The acceptance of the Electoral
Roll Report was proposed by Eve Mann. This motion was seconded by Hazel
Noble. The motion was carried unanimously.
The Chairman expressed a thank you to Jean Kelly for her work on this
Report and the keeping of the Electoral Roll throughout the past year.
9. ELECTION OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER FOR 2005
Jean Kelly confirmed that she was willing to continue with this post for
a further year. The motion was proposed by Eve Mann. The motion was
seconded by Joyce Oakley. The motion was carried unanimously.
10. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
The Report of the proceedings of the Church Council prepared by Mrs.
Jean Bates had been previously circulated. This Report was received.
The motion was proposed by Eve Mann. The motion was seconded by Greta
Dermott-Clarke. The motion was carried unanimously.
The Chairman thanked Jean Bates on carrying out the duties of Assistant
Treasurer and Secretary throughout the year. Christine Gaunt proposed a
vote of thanks to Peter Bates for his work within the Chaplaincy during
the year. The Chairman reiterated this saying that although Peter was
not a regular church attendee his Christianity could not be in any
doubt.
11. TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11.1 Adoption of the Financial Accounts for 2004. Copies of the Reports
and Financial Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2004 had been
previously circulated to Electoral Roll members. Philip hoped these
accounts were self explanatory and it was noted that comparison figures
were shown over a three year period and also included a budget column
for 2005. Questions were invited from the meeting. A query was raised
in that the column for 2004 expenses was short by 1 Euro. The Treasurer
explained that this was due to the accounts being on a computer spread
sheet and were therefore either rounded up or down to the nearest euro.
It was suggested that for future accounts there should be a note of
explanation in this regard. In regard to the UK Sterling Account a
question was raised on the 2005 Budget figure of £3,500 for Gift Aid and
also the 2005 budget figure being increased to £3,000 for the Common
Fund. Philip explained that the Gift Aid figure was increased as the
main aim for the coming year was to increase the amount of Gift Aid
given to the Chaplaincy by all who were UK Tax payers. The reason for
the increase in the Common Fund was largely due to the fact that there
was to be a 3% increase in the Common Fund in 2005.
It was noted that the chaplaincy was missing out on increased income by
not having as much pledged income as possible, including income from
holiday-makers. The comment was made that encouraging Gift Aid and
pledges had already been tried twice before resulting in those who
joined the Gift Aid scheme did not then put money in the plate. Also
many people were already committed to Gift Aid in their UK church.
Shirley Beard commented that following the impact of the presentation
given at the Synod meeting in January on Giving, enquiries were being
made to see if the speaker would be able to come to Tenerife and talk to
both the North and South churches on this subject.
Eric Noble spoke about envelopes being placed in pews in his UK Church
and had proved worthwhile. However as we were controlled by what Church
House will do for us and the minimum donation being £35 per annum, it
was not a viable idea for us.
The Gift Aid details would be put on the Church Web Site. Elise had
spoken to one couple last weekend at San Eugenio who was interested in
placing their name on the Electoral Roll and also in giving, this would
be followed up. The Executive Committee of the Council would also be
meeting to try and make the idea of Gift Aid more user friendly. It was
felt that San Eugenio would be more geared up for new Gift Aid members
than Espiritu Santo.
There being no further questions it was proposed that the accounts be
accepted. The motion was proposed by John Bosley. The motion was
seconded by Jean Kelly. The motion was carried unanimously.
A vote of thanks was expressed to Philip and Jean for all their work on
the accounts throughout the past year.
12. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE
ENSUING YEAR
Mrs. Edna Goodall was willing to continue to be the Independent Examiner
of the Chaplaincy Financial Statement for the ensuing year. The motion
was proposed by Shirley Beard. The motion was seconded by Greta
Dermott-Clarke The motion was carried unanimously.
13. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE Chaplaincy Wardens ON THE CHURCH INVENTORY,
CHURCH FABRIC AND FUNDRAISING
This Report had been previously circulated to Electoral Roll members.
John commented on the need to have a more vigorous approach to the Gift
Aid system and in this regard a new form would be designed and if 50 new
members could be encouraged this could result in an increase in funds of
£5,000 in the year or just one per week per church.
It was mentioned in their Report that it was hoped to form Friends of
tThe Anglican Chaplaincy of St Francis Tenerife South. This would involve a small
fee to join and members would receive regular information on the
Chaplaincy and was a way of encouraging people on the fringe to become
more involved in the work of the Chaplaincy. Acceptance of the
Chaplaincy Wardens Report was proposed. The motion was proposed by David
Dunn. The motion was seconded by Philip Davies. The motion was carried
unanimously.
The Chairman extended a vote of thanks to the two new Chaplaincy Wardens for
2005 and also to those involved in fund-raising. Special thanks was
extended to Greta and ladies and gentlemen who helped with the Nearly
New Sales.
14. REPORT OF THE 25TH SYNOD OF THE ARCHDEACONRY OF GIBRALTAR
The Synod Report written by Shirley Beard had been previously circulated
to those members on the Electoral Roll. It was felt that this meeting
had been the best Synod so far being very spiritually uplifting.
Kate commented on the item regarding Islam becoming the leading faith in
the UK in the future. A lot of the information given at the Synod
meeting on this subject had not been put into print as this could have
endangered the speaker’s life, but this prospect was very worrying. On
a more positive note Elise spoke on several items of good news on
Christian groups such as Message 2000 and The Eden Project who had held
two events last year in London and other areas and that there were a lot
of young people involved in various Christian organisations. It was
felt that if all Christians pulled together it could make a difference.
It was noted that British people are complacent and this could be a
danger. The question was raised as to whether leaders of The Church of
England were going to bring pressure to bear to re-introduce Christian
teaching in schools. Islam was being protected by the Government as
they had secured 32 seats for the Government at the last election. It
was noted that Revd. Keith Jefferies was in fact working with
Christian/Islamic Relations in Birmingham. Thanks were expressed to
Shirley Beard for her Report on the Synod and acceptance of the Report
was proposed. The motion was proposed by Joan Caselton. The motion was
seconded by Fay Briffett. The motion was carried unanimously.
John Bosley advised the meeting that following Bishop David Hamid’s
visit when it was noticed that tThe Anglican Chaplaincy of St Francis Tenerife South
was listed in the Handbook as “A Congregation”. Bishop David assured us
that we would be up-graded to “A Chaplaincy” during the next few months,
once our legalities on the FEREDE are finalised. This will not involve
any expense to the Chaplaincy. The Chairman advised that he had in fact
received a letter from the Diocesan Secretary, Adrian Mumford to this
effect and that the matter has formally been placed on the Agenda at the
next Diocesan Synod.
Originally Espiritu Santo was viewed as an outreach of San Eugenio but
San Eugenio and Espiritu Santo were now Sister Churches and this was
felt to be a major step forward.
David Grove advised that he had watched the parish grow and stated that
he felt that today’s AGM was the finest and most professionally
conducted meeting he had attended and we had come a long way and should
be very proud of being part of such a professional group of people.
John Bosley expressed a vote of thanks to Fr. Keith for his work in what
had been a very difficult year but that he had come through it
successfully. He admitted that he and Fr. Keith had not always seen eye
to eye but had talked their differences through. John hoped for
everyone’s support for the Church in a period of sustained growth, peace
and harmony in the coming year.
15. REPORT ON THE CHURCH OF SAN BLAS, GOLF DEL SUR
This Report prepared by Fr. Michael Harding had been circulated
previously to all Electoral Roll members.
Fr. Michael had held a Carol Service when there were 80 in the
congregation – a full house and continued with regular Sunday services
of over 20 people. He was encouraged for the future but felt there
should be more advertising put in place prior to next winter’s services
especially around Golf del Sur, Amarilla Golf, El Medano and Los Abrigos.
Kate suggested that the services be advertised on the free radio and
also the local magazine. Acceptance of this Report was proposed. The
motion was proposed by Jean Kelly. The motion was seconded by Malcolm
Gaunt. The motion was carried unanimously.
16. REPORT ON THE PARISH MAGAZINE
This Report was prepared by Lionel and Sue Flather and had been
previously circulated to all Electoral Roll members. Lionel requested
more input of articles from members. It was noted that the magazine was
now quarterly with a newsletter and diary dates being produced on the
intervening two months. The question of price of the magazine in this
respect was raised and it was felt that the magazine should be given for
a donation plus the cost of postage, currently €1.78 per issue for those
posted to the UK. Lionel requested any feed back on the magazine,
whether it be good or bad. Acceptance of this Report was proposed. The
motion was proposed by Alan Charlesworth. The motion was seconded by
Nikki Steinhardt. The motion was carried unanimously.
The Chairman extended a vote of thanks to Lionel and Sue for all their
hard work on the production of the magazine throughout the past year.
Christine Gaunt noted that there had been no Report on the work of the
Sunday Club and looking at the Church Magazine there had been no items
included on this work. Christine spoke on the input by the children at
the end of the service and was aware of the time element, but felt there
should be more help given by the congregation for the next season.
It was noted that Fr. Michael Harding had been covering the School
Assemblies on a Wednesday during Fr. Keith’s inability to drive.
The subject of Outreach was discussed and several areas were identified
for the future namely, La Gomerra – Fr. Keith has been in touch with the
Roman Catholic Priest there who is quite happy for his church to be used
for one service per month.
Callao Salvaje where there is no church at the moment, was a possibility
for another worship centre and it was felt that hotel facilities could
be used and this would be looked into. Playa San Juan had been
approached some time ago and they were willing for their church to be
used. Other areas such as El Medano, La Caleta, Los Cristianos would be
considered as to where the Chaplaincy can help bearing in mind the time
and resources available. Any information on outreach should be passed
to Fr. Keith.
Eric felt that the small towns and villages on the South coast should be
looked at before La Gomerra and El Hiero but Fr. Keith explained that
these two islands formed part of the Chaplaincy.
Following the close of the AGM members of the newly formed Council were
requested to stay behind for a short meeting.
As all items had been covered in what had been a very productive
meeting, Fr. Keith reading a verse from the First Epistle of John,
Chapter 5 v 14. – This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we
know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we
asked of him.
The meeting closed with prayer at
12.45 p.m.
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