PCC Meeting Summary
Summary of Key Discussions and Actions
Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Baptist, Loughton
Minutes for the meeting of the Parochial Church Council,
held on Wednesday 9th July 2025 in the choir vestry @ 7.30pm
Present and in attendance: Reverend Chris Davies, David Roderick, Sammy Alder, Vicky Shankland, Reverend Will Rose-Moore, Sam Murdoch, Steve Hart, Hillary Kemp, Claude Goodman, Philiip Gwen, Virgil Parenzee, Steve Hart, Anton French, Jamie Flavell, Suhail Baithun
1. Opening Prayer
Reverend CD opened the meeting with a prayer.
2. Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest were declared. Members were reminded of the confidential nature of the discussions.
3. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Stuart Jack and James Hill.
4. Approval of Previous Minutes
The draft minutes from the meeting held on 21st May 2025 were agreed and signed off.
5. Matters Arising
No further matters arising were noted.
6. Ministry and Mission Update
a. Liz Gloyn’s Departure
Revd CD provided an update on Liz Gloyn’s move, confirming she is now licensed at Epping St Johns Church. Members wished her well.
b. WRM’s Ordination
WRM advised that his ordination will take place at 10:30am on Saturday 27th, with refreshments served in the parish hall. Details of his first mass in the afternoon are to be confirmed.
c. Chris’s Sabbatical (May 2026)
Revd CD’s sabbatical, agreed by the bishop, will begin at the start of May 2026, post-APCM, lasting three months. He will return in August. Clergy are coordinating to ensure smooth church operations during this period.
d. Eucharistic Liturgy
Revd CD and Revd WRM provided feedback that has highlighted the need to streamline certain aspects of the liturgy, to help retain younger worshippers and manage service lengths. Clergy will review these elements, noting the 8:00am service now attracts a wider attendance.
e. Children’s Choir
Revd WRM advised that the group is going well with 3–6 children attending. Further promotion is planned via advertising and social media after the summer break. VS said that a taster session at Sunday school may help to boost numbers, with WRM to explore this in September.
f. 20–30s Group
Revd WRM advised that the recent campfire event was successful, attracting a diverse and happy group who feel a strong sense of community. Positive feedback was noted.
7. Safeguarding
Revd CD advised that Safeguarding remains a standing agenda item. All Sunday school leaders must undergo DBS checks, and all PCC members are required to complete basic safeguarding training before the next meeting in September. SA will make the office PC available for anyone needing access.
8. Finance
a. Report and Accounts
Revd CD advised that all financial operations are running smoothly. AF raised Diocesan concerns regarding payment references; SA will attempt to address these within existing system constraints. Diocesan payments are communicated via email for matching purposes.
b. Parish Share
Revd CD advised that the Parish is on track to pay the required £72,000 by the end of 2025, having already paid £36,000—exceeding last year’s total. Improved financial management and streamlined payment processes were credited.
c. St Johns on the Broadway
Revd CD advised that the Parish may be liable for approximately £4,300 in business rates for the shop. Options include payment, contesting in court, or arranging a payment plan. A decision will be made after Revd CD’s holiday.
9. Fabric, Buildings, and Churchyard
a. Boiler and Eco Initiatives
Revd CD advised that consideration is being given to replacing the boiler with an eco-system (£450,000 worst case), or alternatively, using green gas and installing solar panels. Quotes and funding options are being explored, with a plan to pursue available grants. Regular roof checks and gutter maintenance are also needed.
b. Net Zero Project
A discussion to continue alongside eco initiatives.
c. Church Lighting
Revd CD advised that building users have reported issues with poor lighting. Upgrades near the altar are estimated at £2,500. Quotes are being obtained. Further decisions will be made before Christmas, with an aim to improve lighting for special services.
d. Graveyard
Revd CD reported that William Shankland is maintaining the gardens really well and thanks were given. Equipment has been purchased to support his work, reducing reliance on others. Revd CD advised that we need to store this equipment in a secure location.
10. Church, Social, and Community Events
a. Summer Social
Revd CD advised that the Patronal Festival was a success, generating a profit of about £500. SD was thanked for organising.
b. Barn Dance
Revd CD advised that tickets will be on sale soon for the event scheduled for 4th October. Plans for the 180th anniversary celebration will commence after Revd CD’s sabbatical, starting November 2026.
11. Any Other Business
AF reported the closure of a CCLA fund holding £42,153.44, now returned to the Diocese. Research will be undertaken over the summer to reinvest these funds, with the possibility of splitting them as agreed by motion.
Revd CD advised that work continues on the scout hut lease, delayed due to missing paperwork, with plans to proceed with legal advice in autumn 2025.
SM and HK raised concerns regarding fly tipping at St Nicohlas; SM will review the situation and report back. SA advised that there continues to be ongoing issues with parking tickets and administrative time spent were reported, with hopes for resolution as the system settles. SA will provide an update at the next meeting.
