Alcester Minster Parishes

Alcester, Arrow with Weethley, Coughton with Sambourne, Great Alne with Kinwarton and Haselor.

May 2010-Highlights over past year

THE MINSTER

· A prayer group has been established, with a representative in each of the Minster Churches to pray for those in need or any difficulty.

· The Friday night drinks wagon, providing coffee and hot chocolate, is reaching out to the youth in the town, and this is now supported by members from other Minster Churches and denominations in Alcester.

ALCESTER (St Nicholas)

· JOT (Jobs on Tuesdays) a weekly service for the unemployed, providing professional help and advice to help them back into work, was established last year as a response to the recession. It has continued in electronic format and anyone needing its services should email jobsontues@btinternet.com.

· Work has continued on the development of Church House as a Parish, Minster and Community resource. The builders are coming to the end of Phase 1 - the provision of toilets, and, with some funds already in place, work has begun on Phase 2. For further details please visit the web pages.

· Doughnut Club continues to flourish for children between 5 and 14 years.

· St Nicholas continues to support Fairtrade and Alcester has become a Fairtrade town.

· The Wednesday morning drop-in for coffee in Church House is meeting a real need and is very well supported.

· Participation in Alcester Churches Together.

I ARROW

· Participated in 'Back to Church Sunday' for the second year running. This was a very successful event which drew a large congregation.

· Continued to have an active social and fund raising program, which now includes an annual Church outing. Last year we visited Hereford Cathedral and this year we plan to visit Worcester.

· As a result of information picked up in Hereford Cathedral, a team of three people attended a conference on the alternative use of church buildings in Hereford, last November. The idea is to make greater use of our valuable historic buildings. We are now working on combining some of the ideas we gained at the conference with some badly needed repairs and refurbishment at Holy Trinity.

COUGHTON

· Completion of the north aisle roof replacement and major repairs to the Tower at a cost of £210,000.

· Improved relationship with Coughton Court re arrangements for weddings and funerals.

· Only parish in the Minster to participate in the “Ride and Stride” fund-raising in conjunction with the Historic Churches Trust.

· Continuing development of relationships with Coughton School, “messy church” is now being held on a regular basis.

· Combined Summer fete with the Sambourne “Mini-fest” raised over £1200 for church funds.

GREAT ALNE

· Ordination of one our Readers as a Deacon

· 2 Members of the congregation receiving training for and being given permission to preach and/or lead services

· Annual Bluebell Walk

· Celebration of the Feast of St Mary Magdalen

KINWARTON

· Carols by Candlelight Service

· Sung Compline for Candlemas

· Annual fete in September with Gt. Alne

· Hosting Deanery Synod

HASELOR

· Monthly family service firmly established

· Raised £300 at Carol Service for Acorns Trust and Helen House

· Annual fete raised £2400 for church funds

· Gift of a new altar frontal

· Completion further 8 kneelers

SAMBOURNE

· Completion of upgrades to the kitchen and toilet facilities and decoration of the main hall. Renewal of the pathway and drainage.

· Successful Harvest Supper which was fully attended

WEETHLEY

· A tranquil chapel in beautiful surroundings, well supported by the Minster on special occasions.