St. Kenelm's Church
Parochial Clifton Council

Priest-in-Charge:
Readers: Ted Farrell, John Savage, Patricia Collett, Pat Snelling, Barbara Wilday
Churchwarden: Michael Snelling
Deanery Synod Representatives:
Elected Representative: Pippa Balch, Angela Niblett, Dorothy Leavey, Bob Davis (Treasurer), Gwyneth Hignall, Penny Stead, Carol Taylor, Jacqui Gilbert.
Electoral Roll Officer: Jennie Holmes
Secretary: Jennie Holmes (01886 853673)
Number on Electoral Roll 2000: 76

Aims of the Parochial Church Council:
The role of the P.C.C. is of particular importance during an interregnum; although the churchwardens bear the responsibility of the day to day running of the church any major decisions are made with the PCC’s approval.
There are two sub committees: the Standing Committee and the Family Service Committee. These committees report to the PCC at each meeting.

Aims of St Kenelm’s Church.
St Kenelm's is an ancient parish church where we look to uphold traditional values whilst appreciating that services need to change to accommodate new styles of worship. This can be a challenge with a relatively small core congregation.
A look at the services on offer throughout the year illustrates what we hope is a good cross section of services. Being a rural church we realise the importance of marking the farming seasons and also celebrate, along with Harvest Festival, Rogationtide and Plough Sunday.
The family is very important in the church. Children are welcome to all services and there are always activity sheets for children as well as a special communion book.  However, some are more “child friendly” and relaxed than others. A monthly Family Service is held on the third Sunday of each month, which is kept to 45 minute duration. A percussion band accompanies the final hymn at a Family Service.

ANNUAL REPORT 2006

•     A Plough Service was held at St Kenelm's as we hosted the first Benefice Service of the year in January. This proved a popular service and involved people in the village who do not attend St Kenelm's on a regular basis. Also for the July joint Benefice a Lammas service was held.
• The lent course followed a booklet called “Seeds in Holy Ground” that was written specifically for rural parishes. It proved an interesting book with some relevant ideas.
• An important step forward was when we were granted permission from the Bishop to administer Communion by Extension. This means that if a priest is not available for a Eucharist service then it is possible to use elements that have been previously consecrated and then reserved for later use. A great advantage as we are interregnum….
• A service with Gregorian chant was held in July.
• In September canon Paul Brothwell celebrated forty years as a priest with a service at St Kenelm's.
• Disabled access has been on the agenda many times but because of certain problems it is still in the planning stage.
• Fundraising was kept to a minimum; Carol Taylor provided several teas for visiting groups and in June Gwyneth Hignell held a fork lunch in her garden. In October Pippa Balch had a cream tea party. The church was decorated for harvest and gave many people the chance to come and look at the church when it is fully decorated.
• A new oil tank was sited in the churchyard-it now complies with all regulations!
• Ted Farrell asked if it would be possible to start up the Sunday school again. A small committee was formed and Lesley Towey, Worcester Diocesan Children’s Officer, came to speak to the committee. She was extremely helpful and inspiring. As a result there are plans to start up a children’s club.
• For many years Patricia and Charles Knowles have been tending the planters outside the church gate. They felt that they were no longer able to continue with this. As yet no one has volunteered to take over this task. Any offers gratefully received.
• In October Brian Hoare and Michael Brookes left the area. This meant that there was only one warden. It was decided to carry on with the status quo until the AGM and that Mick would be supported by the Standing Committee.
• The magazine is produced monthly and many thanks to “Jan the Milk” for delivering it each month to many households in the area.
• Thanks to Michael Snelling for his work as Churchwarden –single handed.
• Thank you to Canon Paul Brothwell for taking a number of Eucharist services each month.

 Jennie Holmes

 

If you are a Group Organiser and plan outings in and around Worcester, then come and have afternoon tea provided by the ladies of St Kenelm's Church in our timber-framed Village Hall. We can cater for large or small numbers and are renowned for our home made cakes - good facilities for the disabled. Contact Carol Taylor - Telephone: (01886) 812701

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