All Saints costs about £70,000 a year to run. This includes the costs of
maintenance and servicing (heating, lighting etc.) of the beautiful
building, plus our share of Fr. Kevin's stipend and the central costs
needed for maintaining and improving Vicarages, training new priests,
supporting poorer parishes etc.

How?
Most of this money needs to come from voluntary donations from all of
us, either by regular giving or one-offs. If you are a UK taxpayer the
Church can claim from the Inland Revenue an extra 28% of whatever you
give. All you need to do is to put you name and address on a very simple
Gift-Aid declaration form, which we will provide. Then any gifts from
you via the numbered envelopes or any other traceable method will have
the extra benefit of Gift Aid.

If you would like more information about this, please contact David Walters, or Jill Beardwood.

Parish Electoral Roll

What is it?

The ‘Electoral Roll’ is a list of everybody who can attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

What happens at the Annual Parochial Church meeting?

Everyone who ‘belongs’ to All Saints and is on the Parish Electoral Roll is offered the chance to take a further part in the life of the parish. There will be discussions about what the Parochial Church Council (PCC) has done during the year and what plans, ideas and issues need to be considered for the future. The accounts are presented and elections for places on the PCC take place. It is a good opportunity to see how the church administration works and to contribute your views, and opinions.

Who can be on the Parish Electoral Roll?

Anyone is eligible who is baptised and aged 16 or over and who either

is a member of the Church of England (or of a Church in communion with the Church of England) and lives within the parish boundaries

is a member of the Church of England (or of a Church in communion with the Church of England) and is not resident in the parish but has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the last six months

is a member in good standing of a Church (not in communion with the Church of England) which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and declares him or herself to be a member of the Church of England and has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the last six months.

If you are interested do take a form (back of church or churchwardens or Fr Kevin) or click here either for yourself or for someone else.

PCC report

by Cantica

The PCC met on Tuesday 8th July

Mrs Hodges gave a very informative talk about Churches Together in Bishop’s Stortford. Stort Youth Work Club (SINC) - An organisation

which is specifically aimed at the young people in Stortford. Representatives from the churches and Stort Valley Trust have a shared re-

sponsibility. They are open to all churches, hold quarterly services and do a great deal of work with the youth in Bishop’s Stortford. They have

been proposed to become an associate member of CTBS. The PCC confirmed that they would agree this proposal. Holiday Bible Week –

It will be held this year at the Bishop’s Stortford High School and they still need at least 10 more adult helpers so that everyone who has regis-

tered can take part.

Meet the PCC – It has been provisionally agreed that there should be a social event on 1st February 2009, when everybody will have the oppor-

tunity to meet the members of the PCC in a social environment.

The Lych Gate has recently been repaired by Mr. Rivett and the insurers have accepted the claim and the bill has been paid. Unfortunately it has

been hit again by an Argos lorry and this is being looked into to assess any damage that might have been done.

School Governor - Miss Beardwood’s term as governor will come to an end on 31st July and she agreed to stand again with the proviso that it

might not be for the usual four year term. She was unanimously reelected.

Mrs Vaill has indicated that she would like to become a debt counsellor. Churches Together run a scheme to train people in debt counselling and

she would like to do this. The scheme starts in September and would involve two training sessions each of which costs £25.00. The PCC

agreed unanimously to sponsor her.

Churches together in Bishop’s Stortford

The CTBS web site is now up and running (www.ctbs.org.uk); please log on and have a look at what CTBS is all about.

The Interfaith Group invites you to join them for a study day

at Holy Trinity Church, Bishop’s Stortford

Islam and Other Faiths

speaker: Dr Chris Hewer

Dr Hewer is St Ethelberga Fellow in Christian Muslim relations,

a former advisor on interfaith matters

to the Bishop of Birmingham

an author and lecturer.

Saturday 11 October

Coffee at 10am, Study Day 10.30-4.30

with a bring and share lunch.

Booking is essential as places are limited.

There is no charge for the study day

but small donations to cover minor expenses

would be appreciated.

To book, or for further details,

ring Audrey Costley 01279 659371 or email

audreycostley@ntlworld.com

Many leading thinkers believe religion will play an increasingly influential role on the global stage. For this reason, the 2008-9 lecture series will focus on the history and place of the major religions in today’s world.

Autumn 2008 programme

Wednesday 8^th October, 4.00pm Public Lecture

CHRISTIANITY in the 21^st Century

DR MICHAEL MOYNAGH

Templeton College, Oxford

Wednesday 5^th November, 4.00pm Public Lecture

ISLAM in the 21^st Century

DR MALEIHA MALIK

Kings’ College, London

Wednesday 3^rd December, 4.00pm Public Lecture

HUMANISM in the 21^st Century

PETER CAVE

President, British Humanist Society

Booking: 01279 838575

Entry is free but places do need to be reserved in advance

www.bishops-stortford-college.herts.sch.uk

Shine

Dear friends,

May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your participation in this weekend’s Shine! events.

It was fantastic to see such a presence of volunteers throughout the town on Saturday. I received many positive comments from passers by, who were impressed to see people working together to improve their local surroundings.

Of course it was made easier by the fact that the sun was shining on Shine! I hope that you all enjoyed being part of such an event and that you experienced the benefit of working together for the local community.

With thanks again for your hard work, enthusiasm and commitment.

Yours in Christ

Reverend John Walford

Street Pastors

Street Pastors is running a number of one day courses n the near future which anyone is welcome to attend

- even to find out more about us.

At present we go out in groups of four on alternate Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm - 2.30am.

The next course is 'Good News' and is run by Ascension Trust on Saturday 18th October.

There is a one day course on 'Roles and Responsibilities' - essential if you want to become a Street Pastor

- on Saturday 8th November in Chelmsford.

A number of people from Stortford are going in order to complete their training.

On Saturday 24th January there is a half day course on the second part of Roles and Responsibilities.

The rest of the training is arranged for half days on Saturday or Wednesday evenings in the New Year.

Please let me know if you are interested in attending any of these - or interested at all in Street Pastors.

"WE ARE THERE BECAUSE WE CARE!"

Paul Senior, Co-ordinator

07512 934991 - paul-senior@sky.com - 01279 651465

Assisi 2006 Friendship, Faith, and Frescos:

By Su Tarran

I was a late booking for Assisi; circumstances seemed stacked against me going, but it was meant to be…

Father Michael flew out on the preceding Friday to stay with a family in the parish of Santa Famiglia Fano and on Monday Father Kevin, Father John, the Bishop of St. Alban’s, and I (and a few others!!) joined him in Italy. I had not really spoken to a Bishop before, and was a little concerned about protocol! However I need not have worried; Bishop Christopher is wonderful. We were collected at the airport by Paulo, one of the lay representatives, and whilst the boys engaged in ‘discussions’ the Bishop let me play with his ring and Pectoral cross…I can ‘do’ jewellery!

We were taken to Fano where there was some excitement about us having “The Bishop” with us, and rumour of a party was rife. It was here that I met Don Vincenzo. This man glows! He is the driving force behind the ecumenical links and is inspirational. Father Michael told me later how Don Vincenzo and his parish live their faith. They have a house “Nazareth” which is lived in by a parish family for a period of six months at a time and where vulnerable people are looked after, nourished, mended, and supported. They have accommodation for homeless people in the centre of their community, and Don Vincenzo has an open door…literally and figuratively to his entire parish.

My other companions were all known to Don Vincenzo, and to many of the amazing people that appeared. It was lovely to see these old friendships renewed and the genuine fondness that exists. My lack of Italian and my ‘strangeness’ did not in any way cool the generosity of their welcome and hospitality. I was initially overwhelmed, but soon relaxed into this wonderful new experience.

We had lunch together, there must have been twenty-five or so people, and at various intervals another priest would arrive and more reunions ensued. The food was amazing, and, when we got to the third (or was it the fifth?) course, I had to pinch myself that this was real. The language barriers dropped away and before long new friendships were being made. One guest asked if I was married to Father Kevin, and because he is such a gentleman Father did not laugh too loudly!

I defy anybody to be unmoved by meeting such open and warm people who have a genuine interest in bridging the gaps between our traditions. Things at the top of organisations are often slow to change, but, when the people at the bottom start reaching out to each other, change follows.

It was hard to leave Fano, but our final destination was Assisi, so, having met up with Father Michael, we ventured on. Now, I could spend many pages telling you of our week of adventures there, but I’m strict on space, so I will tell you only of St. Stephano, a tiny and simple little church where St. Francis worshipped as a child. Father Michael deaconed for the Bishop in a most beautiful mass, and afterwards Father Kevin, egged on by the Bishop, with a humble alto (that’s me!) and Dave (a friend of Father John) formed an impromptu quartet and sang a selection of Taizé and canon to take full advantage of the acoustics! Never before have I been asked to “make up an alto line”…thanks, Dave!

At the end of the week we were again joined by our Italian friends and pilgrimaged through Assisi, sharing our thoughts and faith as we walked. A reception for their Archbishop and shared meals were two more of the memorable occasions.

Before long it was time for me to return home, leaving Father Kevin and Father John to return to Fano. I wish I could have stayed to spend more time with new friends and to learn more about these amazing Christians. Perhaps next time!

So there you have it… Friendship, Faith, and, oh dear…no time to tell you about the Frescos!

Finance Working Group

The Finance Working Group is one of the Working Groups to come from our Paris Review. The Group, comprising Jill Beardwood, Su Tarran,

David Walters, and Steve Couzens met on Tuesday 6th May 2008.

Initial discussion concerned the setting of some ‘Terms of Reference’.The following were proposed and subsequently approved by the

PCC meeting of 13th May;

“To establish a workable financial model for the PCC of All Saints Hockerill, to include a review of budgeting procedures and sound financial forward planning”

The work of the Finance Review Group will inevitably impact upon the work carried out by all of the other Parish Review ‘Working Groups’.

The Finance Group has reviewed the current statements of Income and Outgoings and has concluded that unless action is taken now we will very soon

be faced with making some serious decisions that will impact our ability to fund (a) new projects coming from our Parish Review, and (b) our current ‘everyday’

activities.

We cannot continue to spend beyond our means!

The Group would propose that work is started without delay to devise a budget structure for the church financial year commencing 1st January 2009,

and also that we address with immediate effect the anticipated shortfall in our finances for 2008 of some £7 – 8,000.

Tight budgetary controls will be required. Budget holders will be asked to submit their anticipated costs for the 2009 year by 1st October 2008. These

individual budgets should then be reviewed by a ‘to be appointed’ Finance Committee. The Finance Committee will prepare a statement of anticipated

income for the forthcoming year. Having made provision for the essential outgoings (parish share, heat/light, insurance, basic running costs), any surplus

may then be allocated against the requirements of the budget holders. If we don’t have the money then we cannot spend it!! If we ignore this then we will

certainly have some very difficult decisions to make about what we cannot afford to finance. For example, do we want to repair/replace the PA system? Do

we want to be able to put the heating on when the weather is cold?, or Can we afford another Curate?

Having looked at controlling our outgoings, the other way to address the current shortfall, and to provide funds for future reserves and forward projects, is to look at all of our sources of income. These include;

- Stewardship / regular giving

- Plate collections

- Gift Aid

- Letting of buildings

- Bazaar

- Other fund raising activities

To function on a day-to-day basis on a sound financial footing, and certainly to grow in the future we have to increase our income. The congregation has to be made aware of the ‘Gap’ in our finances. We should not be embarrassed about discussing this – in fact it is essential that we DO discuss this; if nobody knows, then nothing will happen!! The Group has suggested producing a 1-page summary of our current finances and that this is updated at regular intervals and made readily available to all, along the lines of our ‘Mind the Gap’ illustrations.

We also need to keep the congregation regularly aware of our vision as a PCC – expressed though the Parish Review – of growth. It is a harsh but undeniable truth that our growth will have to be underpinned by sustainable finances.

The Finance Group would welcome any thoughts, ideas or support - please get in touch with us.

Thank You,

Steve Couzens

FINANCE REVIEW GROUP UPDATE – July 08

Most of you will shortly be receiving a letter from Father Kevin and the Church Wardens concerning the very difficult decision currently facing the PCC over the provision of a new Organist and Director of Music following the departure of David Moore at the end of the summer.

Whilst the PCC would very much like to appoint a new Director of Music, the stark reality is that we, as a church, now simply cannot afford it. Over the past two or three years, our income has not kept up with the rising costs of expenditure required to maintain the worship and ministry of All Saints.

The PCC is committed to responsible budgeting and rigorous control of expenditure. That means that we can only have what we can afford to pay for. Accordingly, as things stand, it will be financially impossible to appoint a new organist. Unless the full cost (up to £6,000 per year) can be found within the PCC budget by September, the organ will fall silent and our choral tradition, including our work with the children of the junior choir, which we have come to know and love, will simply disappear.

This is undoubtedly the first of the ‘difficult decisions’ referenced within the Finance Working Group report within the June issue of ‘Window’. Remember also that we face a deficit in our finances for the current year of several thousand pounds, before we even start to look at the continued provision of music at All Saints.

To pay for what we want we have to grow our income. A growth in our income of £6,000 per year (i.e. £500 per month) may seem a very large sum but it IS achievable. What we have to do is to break down this large amount in to smaller more manageable amounts. What the church really needs is consistent, regular, realistic long-term giving. £6,000 shared among 20 people works out at £25 per person per month or £5.76 per week; the same sum shared among 40 people works out at £12.50 per month or £2.88 per week. Remember that for an income tax payer a ‘Gift Aid’ Declaration can serve to reduce these ‘bite-sized’ amounts further

Last updated 28.5.08

Archive News from Gordon Smith

Robin Moore (Director of Music in the late 1970s) has sent two items for the archives. There is a photograph of the choir (all male!) at Ely Cathedral when the choir provided the music over the week-end of 14/15 August 1976; with the photograph came the programme for the week-end, the list of music to be sung, and a list of personnel. The choir was accommodated in the Youth Hostel, and the week-end cost the men £3.78 and the boys £3.24! I recognise only one name! The other item was the invoice for new choir robes, costing a total of £272.46, quite a sum in 1976!

Searching for additional storage space, I came across a row of dusty volumes which I thought could well be stored elsewhere. Imagine my delight when Carole and Jill, to whom I had taken my problem without examining the books, said that they really ought to be in the archives because of the inscriptions some of them bore – and indeed, so it has turned out! Three of them in particular will be valuable additions to our collection. There is a lovely book “The Priest to the Altar - Aids to the devout celebration of Holy Communion chiefly after the ancient English use of Sarum”, whose inside cover bears the inscription“A.M.D.G et ad usum Eccles: Omn: Sanct. apud Hockerill D.D.D. R.J.Mockridge Presbyter huius Parochiae A.D. MCMXXXVII” [“To the greater glory of God (Ad maiorem Dei gloriam) and for the use of the Church of All Saints at Hockerill R.J.Mockridge Priest of this Parish gave and dedicated as a gift [dono dedit (et) dedicavit] A.D. 1937”]. The volume, beautifully bound and with gold edges, is covered in cloth with magnificent embroidery in metallic thread; sadly it is showing signs of its age but it is still a thing of beauty. Then there is a volume of the sermons of the Rev. John Menet, the first vicar of All Saints’ which was privately printed for circulation to his friends in 1901 and presented to All Saints’ by Mrs. L. Sparrow in October 1926. This volume also yielded, tucked inside, another treasure in the form of a reprint of the sermon preached by the Rev. Alexander Irving, the second vicar of All Saints’, at the evening service on 26 January 1896 “In memoriam John Menet”; this is now too fragile to go on public display but I am in the process of preparing a transcript. The third volume is a leather-bound copy of Holy Communion and other

services and bears the inscription: “The Gift of Henry J. Cowell, F.R.S.L - Fellow Royal Society of Arts - Fellow Huguenot Society of London - Member Royal Institute of International Affairs - Officier de l’instruction publique de France - Scholar and Choirboy of All Saints Hockerill - Laus Deo - October 1946”; the inscription is counter-signed “A.E.Saul, Vicar”. Also on the shelf were two copies of the Authorised Version, both leather-bound, and a leather-bound volume of the 1928 prayer-book with music; their provenance is unknown.

We hope that you enjoy visiting our website. If you have any suggestions or comments, please send them to su@allsaintshockerill.org.uk.