2007 Church Annual Report
The new Benefice of Spire Hill
Oak Fair at Stock Gaylard House
The pattern of services each month is as follows:
First Sunday: A service of
morning worship led by the laity at Kings Stag.
Second Sunday: No service.
Third Sunday: A service of
Holy Communion at Kings Stag.
Fourth Sunday: A service of
Holy Communion at Stock
Fifth Sunday: A joint
service of the four parishes of Stalbridge, Stock, Stourton Caundle, and Purse
Caundle which is rotated between the four parishes.
All members of the PCC are elected by the Annual Parochial Church
meeting in accordance with Church Representation rules.
During 2007 the following served as members of the PCC:
Rector: Rev
William Ridding
Wardens: Mrs Janet
Minikin and Mr Mike Williams
Deanery Synod Representative: Mr John Worth
PCC: Miss Eunice Brown, Mrs Betty Dandridge, Mrs Josie
Langmead,
Mr Les Minikin, Mrs Jo Mortimer, Mr Nicholas Smith,
and Mrs Margaret White
Regular attendance averaged 8-14 with 20+ at festivals.
In 2007 the Parish, together with Stalbridge, Stourton Caundle, and
Purse Caundle became part of the new Benefice of Spire Hill.
The new Benefice was formally launched at a service at Stalbridge
Parish Church on the 9th December 2007.
This service was held in the presence of the Bishop of Sherborne, Rt Rev
Tim Thornton. The Churchwardens of the
four parishes told "Our Story so far...." which explained how the
name "Spire Hill" came about and how the four parishes planned to
work together in the years ahead.
On Sunday, 26th August an open air joint parish service of
Holy Communion was held in the park at Stock Gaylard. This followed the Oak Fair at Stock the previous day. The weather was kind for once in the summer
and well over 100 people attended.
The Harvest Festival service was held at Stock Church on 16th
September. Afterwards there was an auction
of produce followed by lunch prepared by members of the congregation. It was well attended and much enjoyed. £150.00 was raised and split equally between
the Tear and Addington Funds.
The Carol Service was held at Kings Stag on 16th
December. Mince pies and mulled wine
were served afterwards. Christmas Day service was at Stock church.
Net receipts exceeded payments for the period to 31 December 2007 by
£3174.22. The policy on reserves is to
keep them in a CBF deposit account.
They will be used for charitable giving or essential repairs to Stock
Church as the need arises. This policy
is reviewed annually.
Once again our thanks to John Worth for organising and leading the Lent
Bible Studies for 2007. The subject was Isaiah of Jerusalem. Many thanks to Les and Janet Minikin and
John Worth for their hospitality.
Attendance included members of the neighbouring parishes.
A coffee morning was held at the memorial Chapel and shared with the
Methodists of Kings Stag on October 6 2007.
£97.50 was raised and the event was judged to be great success.
This took place on Saturday, 25th August. The church at Stock remained open all
day. Rev William Ridding kindly gave
two short services of prayers in the morning and evening. Both were well attended and the existence of
this delightful church was made known to a wider audience. Over £65.90 was raised for Christian Aid.
A 'Kings Stag' edition was circulated around the village. We are very grateful to William Ridding for
producing this and to Les and Janet Minikin and Mike Williams for distributing
it.
Our thanks to Rev Patrick Birt for officiating at the Stock services on
the fourth Sunday in each month and at the Remembrance and Christmas Day
services. Also to John Worth for his
work on the lay led services and in effect being our "team
leader"! Finally our immense
gratitude to Rev William Ridding for all his work in the parish.