REPORT FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Your Verger’s Report for 2004

It has been another year, similar to past years, with all the usual tasks required of the Verger. The changes brought about by Fr. John leaving us, the inter-regnum with Bp. Owen and then Rev’d Sarah arriving certainly brought us full circle to awaken and spur the Parish to new life and vigour. 

In a short time the working bees became very active and productive. We still have the leaking spots around the church when it rains, but there are fewer creepy crawlies, their ‘habitations’, and less dust. We seem to still be short of storage space and I thank Sarah and family for allowing so many church items to find sanctuary in the Rectory garage. Not only has the inside of All Saints’ benefited by the ‘clean up’, but the grounds as well. The centre garden bed looks so much more friendly. Sorry to see the flagpole go, and I hope we will get a new one as I feel there are times when the flag should fly, not only for funerals but for national occasions, and at times of disasters. I feel it is a certain way of us outwardly showing who we are and that we care. 

It is gratifying to have attendance numbers increase at services and to see new faces on the rosters of the ministries that support the life of the Church. I wish to thank all who clean, arrange flowers and read or lead intercessions, sometimes at a moments notice, Sarah and Ian for their leadership, Marg Minnis for help with flowers and my weekly ‘cuppa’ after the 9.30 service, and the head count when I’m in the Sanctuary Party and Elaine for Office ordering etc. 

I have written up 38 sets of Wedding documents and verged for 36 weddings; written 17 Baptism certificates and verged for 18 funerals. 

I look forward to another productive year in my ministry as Verger at All Saints, working to maintain the smooth running of our Parish life together. 

Anne Stuart-Carpenter
Verger